The Clinical Champion is responsible for leading program implementation. Program participation expectations detailed in the RFA include Clinical Champion participation in a kick-off meeting, monthly one hour Community of Practices, program training webinars (approximately six), and site visit(s). Beyond these activities, time requirements for the Clinical Champion will vary depending on what the site already has in place. Please review the RFA Sections VI Implementation Milestones and VII Deliverables for required activities such as stakeholder engagement, planning, data reporting, and implementation.

As long as there is a navigator supporting the hospital’s EDSP, a site may utilize navigator(s) with a split funding source to also provide support to people with substance use disorder, mental health, and/or other care linkages. Likewise, an existing part-time navigator could be split-funded and spend the remaining part of their time supporting syphilis/HIV/HCV linkages.

Navigator support will include activities such as (approximately six) training webinars, Technical Assistance, community Slack channel, and participation in the monthly Community of Practice.

EDSP is not a research study and does not include a hospital site Principal Investigator (PI). ED Screening Program roles include “Clinical Champion” and “Navigator” as defined in the FAQs. While conferences and certain types of travel are listed under allowable expenses in the FAQ Use of Funds section, they are not program requirements.

The Clinical Champion is the individual leading the implementation of EDSP at the hospital and should be an ED MD/DO, PA, or NP.

In California, navigation staff do not need to be certified test counselors to disclose HIV test results. Individuals only need to be certified test counselors if they will operate CLIA-waived HIV, HCV, or syphilis test kits (such as rapid test kits) and they do not hold a medical licensure.

Currently, local organizations who would like to have their staff certified as test counselors need to complete a Basic Counseling Skills Training (BCST). This training is currently offered by the Alliance Health Project (AHP). Organizations can reach out to their local health department’s HIV program coordinator who can reach out to AHP to see if there is availability in any of their currently scheduled trainings. Depending on bandwidth, AHP may also provide fee-for-service trainings. Folks can reach out via email to ahptraining@ucs.edu to discuss further.

In the near future, the BCST will be updated and will enable HIV test counselors to perform CLIA-waived testing for HIV, HCV, and syphilis. The didactic portions of the training will also become available online (in both English and Spanish).