Ryan White Grantee Basics

Guidelines and protocols exist to guide HIV/AIDS care programs in how to deliver optimal HIV care. For Ryan White grantees, there are additional resources to help them implement their HIV programs more effectively and in compliance with grant requirements in such areas as quality management and data reporting.

At a minimum, Ryan White HIV/AIDS Programs must follow HHS clinical guidelines that outline how HIV care should be provided. Supplementing these are resources to implement or expand upon the guidelines, grouped below under the category Protocols and Clinical Practices. They include guidance on delivery of HIV care in such areas as ensuring the quality of care and clinic delivery processes. Finally, there is a list of other requirements for grantees delivering Ryan White HIV care.

HHS Clinical Guidelines

Clinical guidelines outline the science and recommendations for treatment of HIV disease (e.g., antiretroviral therapy, opportunistic infection treatment and prophylaxis) as well as guidelines for conducting HIV testing and counseling. Developed by various panels of clinical experts, these are frequently updated and should be accessed directly at the AIDSInfo Web site.

Implementing Guidelines: Protocols and Clinical Practices

Protocols and clinical practices differ from the above guidelines in that they focus primarily on the effective delivery of HIV care. (In some areas, they may also present guidelines on HIV treatment issues, similar to those outlined above, although the above guidelines should be consulted first for such direction as guidelines are continuously updated.)

The following HIV-related protocols and clinical practices have been developed by various panels of HRSA experts and other leaders in the field of HIV care.

Primary Care

Hepatitis C

Women

Palliative Care

Nutrition

Substance Abuse

Mental Health


Implementing Grant Requirements

Law and Policies. In addition to the 2006 Ryan White legislation, HRSA/HAB routinely issues Policy Notices to clarify implementation of legislative requirements.

Program Guidances. These are issued annually to guide applicants for Ryan White funding. Guidances outline expectations for grantees for specific funding periods.

Quality Management. The National Quality Center is HRSA/HAB’s TA and training resource on effective approaches to quality management. See also: HAB Performance Measures.

Data/Reporting. Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Data Support includes the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Data Report required of all grantees and CAREWare software to generate data on managing HIV care.

Performance Review. HRSA Performance Review. Also: HRSA/HAB Division of Community Based Programs Site Visits (Part C and Part D grantees only).

Technical Assistance/Training. The TARGET Center is the central source of Ryan White TA. A wide array of resources, links, and other assistance is available.

Program Reports and Audits. Contact your HRSA/HAB Project Officer. For select reports and grants, see the Electronic Handbooks.