AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) is pleased with the definition of an HIV Specialist proposed by Governor Gray Davis and the California Department of Managed Health Care today.

On October 14, 2001, Governor Gray Davis directed the California Department of Managed Health Care to fully implement the Standing Referral law -- AB 2168 (signed in 2000) by defining an HIV Specialist with the intent of guaranteeing the rights of HIV/AIDS patients to be seen by a specialist in HIV/AIDS treatment.

"By taking steps to ensure the rights of people with HIV/AIDS to treatment by a qualified HIV Specialist, Governor Davis continues to demonstrate his commitment to improving access to quality health care for all Californians under managed health care," said APLA Government Affairs Director Daniel C. Montoya.

AB 2168 added HIV as a health condition for which patients have a right to be referred to a specialist for treatment. This legislation required the Department of Managed Health Care to review how each health care service plan intends to meet the requirements of implementation and determine compliance.

"The Governor recognized the difficulty associated with implementation of AB 2168 without an agreed upon definition," said Montoya. "Today California made a great leap forward in the efforts to provide uniformity in quality and access to HIV/AIDS treatment."

The proposed definition, based in large part on the definition developed by the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM), makes certain that true experts in the field will treat HIV/ AIDS patients. Proof of expertise can be demonstrated through AAHIVM credentialing or meeting the credentialing criteria of clinical experience treating HIV/AIDS patients and demonstrating proof of current knowledge of the field.

With realistic requirements for certification, additional education and an annual exam testing knowledge of new developments, the proposed definition ensures that physicians claiming an HIV expertise will be knowledgeable and up-to-date on recent advances.

Montoya concluded, "The Governor, the California Department of Managed Health Care and AAHIVM have helped realize the intent of AB 2168, guaranteeing consistent access to quality HIV care for all Californians."