1. Commitment to accept responsibilities and perform the tasks of HACT leader;
   
   

2. High level of knowledge of the program, including positive attitude particularly towards the program's clients;
   
   

3. Preferably an infectious disease consultant or an internist with permanent medical specialist position in the hospital;
   
   

4. Preferably has a direct involvement in the care and management of patients in the hospital; and
   
   

5. Willingness to undergo training on the clinical care and management of HIV/AIDS patients.

TEAM MEMBERS:

The HACT members shall be chosen on the basis of the following criteria:

1. Commitment to accept responsibilities and perform the tasks of HACT member;
   
   

2. With permanent position, either resident physician or specialist from other departments; and
   
   

3. Willingness to undergo training on the clinical care and management of HIV/AIDS patients.

PERFORMANCE OF HIV/AIDS SCREENING TEST:

1. Suspected HIV/AIDS patient shall undergo HIV antibody testing with a written informed consent after a pre-test counseling. Post-test counseling shall be provided to all patients who undergo the procedure.

1.1. The written informed consent shall be signed by the patient himself.

1.2. The written informed consent may be signed by an immediate member of the family, only in the following cases:

1. Patient's incapacity and known to possess a risky behavior.

2. Below 18 years of age.

2. The screening test can be undertaken in the absence of the nearest kin, provided that the following conditions are met:

2.1. Test is undertaken for the purpose of managing the opportunistic infection.

2.2. There is a written justification from the attending physician, duly noted by the medical director of the hospital.

REFERRAL/NETWORKING SYSTEM:

1. The referring hospital shall be responsible for the following:

1. The attending physician shall take care of informing the patient or the immediate relatives for the mentally deranged patients, about the patient's HIV serostatus.
   
   

2. A clinical abstract shall be prepared and forwarded to the HACT of the receiving hospital. A directory of the HACT leaders and members shall be provided to both private and government hospitals through the Philippine Hospital Associations (PHA). Strict confidentiality shall be observed in the process of referral.
   
   

3. If possible, the attending physician shall communicate with the receiving HACT leader for endorsement.

2. The receiving hospital shall be responsible for the following:

1. Confirmation of HIV serostatus of the referred patient through proper coordination with RITM or BRL.
   
   

2. Admission of the patient in the hospital shall be according to presenting clinical problem, regardless of the patient's HIV serostatus.