Specifications include, but are not limited to: 3.2.1.1 The Americans with Disabilities Act: The Americans with Disabilities Act (https: www.ada.gov/) protects qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination on the basis of disability in services, programs, and activities. Accessibility and inclusion of diverse populations are essential to reduce health disparities for vulnerable populations. Contractors must comply with all ADA requirements in their work to ensure the needs of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable populations are met. This includes, but is not limited to: ● facilities and any venues used for meetings/conferences are accessible. ● requested accommodations are provided in a timely manner; and ● written and printed materials developed in accessible formats (easy to read, large print, etc.), or providing access to alternative formats. For contracts which include direct patient care or service delivery through a program, the ADA requires entities provide full and equal access for people with disabilities. This includes, but is not limited to: ● reasonable modifications of policies, practices, and procedures. ● effective communication; and ● accessible facilities. 3.2.1.2 The Applicant shall provide HIV medical services in clinics in the Eastern or Western Regions following standards of care issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which can be obtained at: https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/guidelines. Services provided under this award are funded by Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) Part B. They must be provided following the RWHAP Part B Outpatient/Ambulatory Health Services Service Standards (applicant can request a copy from MDH), https://ryanwhite.hrsa.gov/grants/policy-notices, the Health and Human Services (HHS) HIV Treatment Guidelines https://hivinfo.nih.gov/hivsource/medical-practice-guidelines/hiv-treatment-guidelines, and RWHAP Part B National Monitoring Standards https://ryanwhite.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/ryanwhite/grants/2022-rwhap-nmspart-b.pdf. The Maryland RWHAP Part B Eligibility criteria can be found at https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/OIDPCS/CHP/pages/home.aspx These guidelines shall dictate how services are provided, staff licensure and eligibility requirements (eligibility of clients will be determined following MDH established procedures). 3.2.1.3 It is estimated that around 350 individuals in the Western Region and 375 individuals in the Eastern Region need HIV medical care services. Along with providing medical services to those living with HIV who reside in Eastern and Western counties in Maryland, the Applicant can also choose to provide medical services to clients from other counties in the region. The above-estimated number of clients is for information only, but the Applicant shall provide services to as many clients as deemed eligible for services. Each client enrolled will have at least two (2) HIV medical service visits per year, including professional, diagnostic, and therapeutic services. These services are to be rendered by a health care professional with prescribing authority in Maryland following HHS HIV Treatment Guidelines. Outpatient settings include clinics, medical offices, and mobile vans where clients generally do not stay overnight. Telemedicine should be an option to extend services to patients in rural areas to decrease unnecessary in-person visits and enhance clinician/patient confidentiality. Emergency room services are not considered outpatient settings.
