On-Demand: HIV/AIDS Update
EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that attacks the body’s immune system. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of the disease.
Key Facts by World Health Organization:
- HIV is a major global public health issue claiming the lives of more than 40 million
- 650,000 people died from HIV-related causes and 1.5 million people acquired HIV in 2021
- There is still no cure for HIV infection, but information and access have increased tremendously. Knowledge of effective HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, including for opportunistic infections, has allowed HIV infection to become a manageable chronic health condition, allowing people to live long and healthy lives. Pharmacists and technicians play a vital role as frontline workers in educating patients on treatment options, maintaining compliance and preventive strategies.
As a part of the biennial renewal, pharmacy technicians are required to complete an initial (1) hour Florida Board of Pharmacy approved course on HIV/AIDS. The one-one (1) hour course must include the modes of transmission, including transmission from a healthcare worker to a patient and the patient to the healthcare worker; infection control procedures, including universal precautions; epidemiology of the disease; related infections including tuberculosis (TB); clinical management; prevention; and current Florida law on AIDS and its impact on testing, confidentiality of test results, and treatment of patients. In order to meet this requirement, licensees must demonstrate that the course includes information on the State of Florida law on HIV/AIDS and its impact on testing, reporting, the offering of HIV testing to pregnant women, and partner notification issues pursuant to Sections 381.004 and 384.25, F.S. Any HIV/AIDS continuing education course taken during the second or subsequent renewal of licensure may be applied to satisfy the technician continuing education hours requirement.
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
At the completion of this home study activity, pharmacy technicians will be able to: Identify methods of transmission of HIV/AIDS; List medication agents used to treat HIV/AIDS; Recognize the importance of compliance and the results of opportunistic infections which may occur in patients; Identify ways the technician can provide care for HIV infected patients; Explain current Florida law on HIV/AIDS and its impact on testing, reporting and partner notification.
TARGET AUDIENCE
This home study activity is targeted to pharmacy technicians.
UAN: 0675-0000-24-019-H02-T*
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