D.C. and Maryland
could lose Ryan White funds

Because Maryland and the District of Columbia still use codes-based HIV case reporting systems, they could lose millions in federal Ryan White funding because they've not changed to names-based systems, The Washington Post reports. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers data from codes-based systems to be inaccurate, and the agency will be divvying up federal AIDS funds to regions across the country based on their number of HIV cases reported through names-based systems. Regions with codes-based systems will lose out in millions in funds when their data is not included in funding formulas.

Maryland could lose up to $26 million in federal funding--about 55% of its annual grant for HIV testing, counseling, treatment, and support services. The District of Columbia also could lose millions in federal grants.

Lawmakers in Maryland are considering switching HIV case reporting systems but only if Congress passes a bill directly stating that Ryan White funds are to be tied to state data from names-based systems. The measure was approved by a house subcommittee and now moves to the house budget committee for consideration.

The Washington, D.C., city council is not currently considering any proposals for a codes-based system, but district health officials say they are studying the issue.

Switching to names-based reporting in Maryland and the District of Columbia could take as long as three years, health experts say. (The Advocate)