The implementation of HIV testing in correctional settings is an important consideration in reducing the annual number of new HIV infections occurring in the United States. This document provides background statistics on HIV/AIDS in correctional facilities and covers issues relating to inmate privacy and confidentiality, opt-out HIV screening in correctional medical clinics, HIV testing procedures, and HIV/AIDS case reporting.

The correctional system in the United States consists of a wide variety of correctional settings (e.g., State and Federal prisons, jails, juvenile facilities) and legal constraints (e.g., state laws). A single framework for HIV testing will not likely be effective or even possible in all correctional settings. The purpose of this document is to guide the implementation of opt-out HIV testing in the correctional setting by presenting many of the basic components and tenets of such a testing program as well as dealing with some of the obstacles that may be encountered in the process.

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