New Computer Widget Provides Fast Help To Prevent HIV Infection – A team of doctors from St. Vincent’s Hospital in Manhattan have recently created a new technology to help prevent the spread of HIV. The new computer application, known as a widget, will provide physicians with a set of guidelines on providing post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). The technology includes a screening process for determining which patients are candidates for PEP, information about the course of antiretroviral drugs required during treatment, as well as consent forms in various languages. The application will be kept up to date with the most recent medical recommendations, thus providing physicians with quick access to information on how to treat patients who may have been exposed to HIV. For more information, please see the New York Times article.

Medicare May Cover HIV Testing Expenses – The government has recently proposed that Medicare cover the costs of HIV testing. Although HIV infection often occurs in young individuals, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that nearly 19 percent of individuals infected with AIDS in the United States are above the age of 50. According to the Health and Human Services Department, the services will cover Medicare beneficiaries who are at risk for infection, including pregnant women and individuals who request the service. For more information, please see the Associated Press article.

HHS Panel On Antiretroviral Guidelines For Adults And Adolescents Is Accepting Member Nominees – The Health and Human Services Department (HHS) is now accepting nominees for clinical members of the Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents. Specifically, the Panel is looking for members who have expertise in neurological complications associated with HIV. Responsibilities of the members include analyzing new information and subsequently updating antiretroviral guidelines. The Panel is also looking for community representatives to serve a four-year term, with the possibility of reappointment. Community representatives will aid the Panel in addressing treatment issues related to the communities they represent. Nominations for both positions should include a curriculum vitae and a letter of interest describing how the nominee will contribute to the Panel. All nominations should be sent to Alice K. Pau Pharm.D ., before October 9, 2009. To see the current guidelines, please visit the NIH Web site.