The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is proactively updating its HIV Standards of Care, signaling a significant step forward in the state’s approach to managing and combating HIV/STD. This revision process, open for public comment until July 2025, underscores DSHS’s commitment to leveraging the most current knowledge and best practices in HIV care. These updated standards function as a crucial Care Tool Dshs, guiding healthcare providers and service organizations in delivering effective and comprehensive support to individuals affected by HIV. The draft updates are available for review, inviting stakeholders to contribute to shaping the future of HIV care in Texas.
These standards are particularly relevant to programs funded through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) Part B grant, DSHS State Services, and HOPWA formula funds. It’s important to note that while the listed service categories offer a broad overview, they primarily reflect services funded through these specific sources and may not encompass the full spectrum of services available through other RWHAP parts or direct HOPWA funding. Furthermore, certain services outlined in Section 2, and all services in Section 3, are exclusively supported by DSHS State Service funds, highlighting the state’s dedicated investment in specific areas of support.
The dynamic nature of healthcare necessitates that these service categories remain adaptable. Revisions are anticipated as new information emerges, requirements evolve, and guidance is provided by key entities such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), the State of Texas, and DSHS itself. This ongoing refinement ensures that the care tool dshs – represented by these standards and service categories – remains sharp, relevant, and effective in addressing the evolving challenges of HIV care.
Section 1. Core Medical Services: Essential Components of HIV Care
| Service Category | Revised |
|---|---|
| Early Intervention Services (Part B) | January 2024 |
| Health Insurance Premium and Cost Sharing Assistance | January 2025 |
| Home and Community-Based Health Services | January 2024 |
| Home Health Care | January 2024 |
| Hospice Services | January 2024 |
| Local AIDS Pharmaceutical Assistance (LPAP) LPAP Statement of Need | September 2024 |
| Medical Case Management (including Treatment Adherence Services) | September 2024 |
| Medical Nutritional Therapy | January 2024 |
| Mental Health Services | December 2024 |
| Oral Health Services | December 2024 |
| Outpatient/Ambulatory Health Services | November 2024 |
| Substance Abuse Outpatient Care | January 2025 |
Section 1 highlights Core Medical Services, which are fundamental to HIV care. These services, regularly updated as indicated by the “Revised” dates, represent the bedrock of treatment and management. From Early Intervention Services to Medical Case Management and Pharmaceutical Assistance, each category within this section is a vital component of a comprehensive care tool dshs approach, ensuring individuals receive the medical attention and support necessary to manage their health effectively. The inclusion of Mental Health and Oral Health Services further emphasizes the holistic approach to care, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being in HIV management.
Section 2. Support Services: Broadening the Scope of Care
| Service Category | Revised |
|---|---|
| Child Care Services | February 2025 |
| Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA) | November 2024 |
| Food Bank/Home-Delivered Meals | January 2024 |
| Health Education/Risk Reduction (HE/RR) | January 2024 |
| Housing Services | February 2025 |
| Linguistic Services | January 2024 |
| Medical Transportation Services | January 2024 |
| Non-Medical Case Management | October 2024 |
| Other Professional Services | January 2024 |
| Outreach Services | January 2024 |
| Psychosocial Support Services | December 2024 |
| Referral For Health Care and Support Services | October 2024 |
| Rehabilitation Services | January 2024 |
| Respite Care | January 2024 |
| Substance Abuse Services (Residential) | January 2025 |
Moving beyond purely medical interventions, Section 2 details crucial Support Services. These services acknowledge that effective HIV care extends beyond clinical treatment to encompass various social and logistical needs. From Child Care Services to Housing and Emergency Financial Assistance, this section of the care tool dshs addresses the real-life challenges individuals living with HIV may face. By including services like Linguistic Services and Medical Transportation, DSHS ensures accessibility and inclusivity, breaking down barriers to care. These support services are integral to creating a patient-centered approach, recognizing that holistic well-being is paramount.
Section 3. State-Funded Support Services: Targeted State Investment
| Service Category | Revised |
|---|---|
| Other Services Activities not associated with current HRSA Service Categories to be provided under this service category. Activities must be approved by DSHS prior to allocating State Service funds. | N/A |
Section 3 specifically outlines Support Services funded exclusively by State Services funds. This distinction highlights Texas’s targeted investment in filling service gaps not covered by federal programs. The “Other Services” category, requiring DSHS approval, provides flexibility to address unique local needs and emerging challenges within the state. This section of the care tool dshs demonstrates the state’s commitment to being responsive and adaptive in its approach to HIV care, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed within Texas.
Section 4. HOPWA: Housing Stability as a Foundation for Health
Section 5. Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS
| Service Category | Subcategories | Service Units |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent Housing Placement (PHP) PHP housing assistance costs include, but are not limited to, application fees, first and last month’s rent, and reasonable utility and security deposits required for lease approval and occupancy. | Permanent Housing Placement | Per payment |
| Short-Term Rent, Mortgage and Utility (STRMU) STRMU provides short-term, rent, mortgage, and utility payments for households experiencing a financial crisis related to their HIV health condition or a change in their economic circumstances. STRMU helps prevent homelessness by enabling households to remain in their own homes. STRMU may assist with up to 21 weeks of accrued costs in a 52-week period. | Rent | Per payment |
| Mortgage | Per payment | |
| Utility | Per payment | |
| Supportive Services The DSHS HOPWA Program currently limits the use of Supportive Services to Housing Case Management (HCM). HCM plays a vital role in HOPWA Supportive Services and can contribute to successful program outcomes for housing stability and access to care. HCM primarily centers around matters related to housing issues, including housing options, stability, and goals. The intensity or level of HCM provided to a household will depend on the household’s assessed level of need. Please do not confuse HOPWA’s Supportive Services with Ryan White’s Support Services listed in Section 2. | Case Management | Per 15 Minutes |
| Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) TBRA provides an ongoing and portable rental subsidy that helps households obtain or maintain permanent housing, including assistance for shared housing arrangements, in the private rental housing market until they can enroll in the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) or other affordable housing programs. Under TBRA, households select a housing unit of their choice. TBRA pays the difference between the household’s calculated monthly rent payment and the rent specified in their lease agreement. The gross rent of the proposed unit cannot exceed the lower of the rent standard or reasonable rent. | Tenant-Based Rental Assistance | Per payment |
Sections 4 and 5 detail the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program, a critical element of the broader care tool dshs. HOPWA recognizes stable housing as a fundamental determinant of health outcomes for individuals living with HIV. By providing Permanent Housing Placement, Short-Term Rent, Mortgage, and Utility assistance, as well as Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, HOPWA addresses housing insecurity, a significant barrier to accessing and adhering to HIV care. Housing Case Management within HOPWA further strengthens this support, ensuring individuals have the resources and guidance needed to maintain housing stability and improve their overall health and well-being.
Section 6. Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI): Addressing Disparities
| Service Category | Revised |
|---|---|
| Health Education-Risk Reduction (HERR) | May 2020 |
| Outreach Services | May 2020 |
Section 6 focuses on the Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI), demonstrating a targeted approach within the care tool dshs to address health disparities. MAI’s Health Education-Risk Reduction and Outreach Services are specifically designed to reach minority communities disproportionately affected by HIV. By tailoring interventions and resources to meet the unique needs of these communities, MAI aims to promote health equity and reduce the disproportionate burden of HIV within minority populations in Texas.
Section 7. Universal Standards and Monitoring Tools: Ensuring Quality and Accountability
| Tools |
|---|
| Universal Standards |
| DSHS Master Service Category Monitoring Tool 2025 |
| DSHS MAI Monitoring Tools |
| HOPWA Monitoring Tool |
| Ryan White Part B and State Services Monitoring Logistics Guide |
Section 7 emphasizes accountability and quality assurance within the DSHS framework. The Universal Standards and various Monitoring Tools listed are essential components of the care tool dshs, ensuring that services are delivered effectively, efficiently, and in alignment with best practices. These tools provide a framework for monitoring service delivery, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring that programs are achieving their intended outcomes in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Section 8. Corrective Action Plan (CAP) Resources: Continuous Improvement
| Tools and Resources |
|---|
| 2023/2024 Ryan White Part-B/State Services Program Monitoring – Evaluation and Deficiency Response Plan |
| Corrective Action Plan (CAP) Template – A provider or agency may use their own CAP template with approval of their Administrative Agency (AA) |
Finally, Section 8 provides resources for Corrective Action Planning (CAP). This section reinforces the commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness within the DSHS system. The CAP templates and resources are vital elements of the care tool dshs, enabling providers and agencies to address any identified deficiencies and enhance the quality of their services. This proactive approach to quality improvement underscores DSHS’s dedication to providing the highest standard of care for individuals living with HIV in Texas.
In conclusion, the Texas DSHS’s updated HIV Standards of Care and comprehensive service categories represent a robust and evolving care tool dshs designed to address the multifaceted challenges of HIV/STD in the state. By encompassing core medical services, essential support services, targeted initiatives like HOPWA and MAI, and a strong focus on quality assurance and continuous improvement, DSHS is working diligently to improve the lives of individuals affected by HIV and safeguard public health in Texas. Public comment on these updated standards is encouraged, as stakeholder input is invaluable in refining and strengthening this vital care tool.
