ALCOAST 158/24 - APR 2024 HIV POLICY UPDATES

R 032003Z APR 24   MID120001006275U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 158/24
SSIC 6110
SUBJ: HIV POLICY UPDATES
A. Coast Guard Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Program,
COMDTINST 6230.9A
B. DOD memo, 6 JUN 2022: Policy Regarding Human Immunodeficiency
Virus-Positive Personnel within the Armed Forces
1. This ALCOAST is an update to REF (A) and contains several USCG
policy modifications for HIV positive service members IAW the
guidance published in REF (B).
2. REF (B) states that in view of significant advances in the
diagnosis, treatment and prevention of HIV, it is necessary to
update policy with respect to individuals who have been identified
as HIV-positive. REF (B) states current service members who have
been identified as HIV-positive, are asymptomatic, and who have
clinically confirmed undetectable viral load (hereinafter "covered
personnel"), will have no restrictions applied to their
deployability or to their ability to commission while a service
member, solely on the basis of their HIV-positive status. This
supersedes any restrictions currently in Chapter 1 of REF (A) for
covered personnel, which includes Coast Guard Academy cadets and
midshipmen, ROTC cadets and midshipmen, and other participants in
in-service commissioning program.
3. Covered personnel will not be deemed "non-deployable" solely for
the reason that they are HIV-positive. Decisions on the
deployability of covered personnel will be made on a case-by-case
basis and must be justified by the Service member's inability to
perform the duties to which he or she would be assigned.
4. These changes will be incorporated into the next version of
REF (A), which will be released within the year.
5. This ALCOAST will expire on 03 APR 2025.
6. POC: CDR Deborah Belsky, Chief, Force Health Protection, COMDT
(CG-1K21), (202) 494-0877, Deborah.Belsky@uscg.mil.
7. RADM Dana L. Thomas, Assistant Commandant of Health, Safety
and Work-Life (CG-1K), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.