The availability of potent and easier-to-use highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens have led to dramatic improvements in life expectancy and quality of life for most HIV-infected patients.  Recent guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services provide essential recommendations for when to start HAART, what to start with, and what not to use.  Studies show that adherence rates of 90% to 95% may be required to achieve HIV viral suppression, prevention of drug resistance, and improved survival.  To this end, successful antiretroviral therapy requires a lifelong commitment to therapy by both patient and the health care team, and the case manager plays an integral role as a gate opener to health care and supportive services, health insurance, entitlements, and helping patients stay on therapy.

This symposium will focus on the role of the case manager in HIV care as it relates to the need to increase the proportion of persons who are aware of their HIV-infection status, evidence supporting the earlier initiation of HAART and the use of continuous therapy, and how to assess and monitor treatment adherence.

1. Describe the health benefits of routine HIV screening.
    
2. List key adherence and medical considerations when selecting treatment options.
    
3. Discuss approaches to improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy.