HIV/AIDS Update for Florida Nurses

Stay Current with HIV/AIDS Clinical and Legal Requirements in Florida

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remain significant public health concerns, particularly in Florida, which consistently ranks among the states with the highest incidence of new HIV infections. HIV/AIDS Update for Florida Nurses is a legally mandated, evidence-based course tailored for Florida-licensed nurses, designed to enhance clinical knowledge, reinforce infection control protocols, and ensure compliance with state-specific legal and ethical responsibilities.

This comprehensive online course addresses the latest epidemiological trends, diagnostic advancements, treatment modalities, and prevention strategies associated with HIV/AIDS. In addition to clinical updates, the course reviews Florida laws related to HIV testing, reporting, confidentiality, and patient education. Special emphasis is placed on reducing stigma and promoting culturally competent care in high-risk populations.

Upon completion of this course, healthcare professionals will earn 1 Continuing Education (CE) Credit Hour, automatically reported to CE Broker, while fulfilling the Florida Board of Nursing’s HIV/AIDS training requirement. 

This program delivers a balanced combination of clinical, legal, and ethical insights to prepare nurses for safe, informed, and compassionate care of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. Topics include:

• HIV Pathophysiology and Disease Progression: Understanding the virology, transmission routes, and immunological impact of HIV.
• Florida-Specific Legal Requirements: State mandates for HIV testing, informed consent, confidentiality, and partner notification.
• Current Epidemiology and At-Risk Populations: Analysis of demographic patterns, with focus on disparities in Florida communities.
• Diagnostic and Therapeutic Updates: Review of contemporary antiretroviral therapies (ART), viral load monitoring, and resistance testing.
• Infection Control and Exposure Protocols: Standard precautions, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and occupational safety practices.
• Culturally Competent Patient Education: Effective communication strategies for engaging patients in testing, adherence, and prevention. 
• Addressing Stigma and Discrimination: Legal protections and clinical best practices for equitable treatment of individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

Completion Requirements:

To receive full CE credit, participants must:

• Register for the course. 
• Review all course content in its entirety.
• Pass the post-test with a score of 70% or higher.
• Complete and submit a course evaluation form.

Supplementary learning tools such as clinical case scenarios or state policy briefs may be included to reinforce course objectives.

Important Disclosures:

• Conflict of Interest: The authors, planners, and presenters have disclosed no conflicts of interest.
• Commercial Support: No external commercial funding was received for this course. 
• Non-Endorsement: Accreditation does not imply endorsement of any product, service, or commercial entity mentioned.
• Off-Label Use: This course does not contain discussion of unapproved or off-label uses of medical products.