4.1 Client Eligibility

PCM is primarily intended for persons with multiple, complex problems and risk-reduction needs who are having or likely to have difficulty initiating or sustaining practices that reduce or prevent HIV acquisition, transmission, or reinfection. Priority for PCM services should be given to HIV seropositive persons. An agency may also serve HIV seronegative persons or those of unknown HIV serostatus if the individual identified for PCM is (1) a member of a community with moderate to high seroprevalence rates of HIV infection or (2) otherwise at heightened risk of HIV infection.

The following population groups are examples of those who may be appropriate for PCM, providing they meet the eligibility criteria just detailed (NOTE: This list is not exclusive nor exhaustive):

1. Persons recently identified as HIV-infected by counseling and testing sites or partner notification services;
2. Partners of HIV-infected persons identified through referral or partner notification services;
3. Clients in substance abuse treatment or injecting drug users out of treatment who are accessing syringe exchange or harm-reduction programs.
4. Men who have sex with men (MSM), including young MSM;
5. Adults and teens repeatedly infected with STDs, especially HIV-positive persons, identified at health or STD clinics;
6. Clients of tuberculous (TB) clinics;
7. Adults recently released from corrections facilities with a history of substance abuse; and
8. Discordant couples with inconsistent condom use.

PCM program staff should emphasize the benefits of participation to potential clients, including assistance in identifying and addressing barriers to HIV risk reduction and assistance in accessing health and social services. Although some persons may present with a variety of acute medical and psychosocial needs, PCM is a voluntary service and should be reserved for individuals with a willingness to discuss their personal risk for HIV and to participate in HIV risk-reduction counseling on a regular basis. A review of PCM programs suggests that HIV seropositive persons may have stronger interest in participating in PCM programs. This review also finds that engaging high-need clients in HIV prevention activities, regardless of HIV serostatus, is difficult [Purcell, DeGroff, Wolitski, Submitted for Publication].

Go to 4.2 Essential Components of a PCM Program