(a)  The department shall authorize the establishment of training programs throughout the state for counselors for publicly funded HIV testing programs. These training programs shall be conducted by community-based, nonprofit organizations with demonstrated expertise in providing free, anonymous, or confidential HIV testing services. The programs may be offered at flexible times, so as to facilitate the training of volunteer and part-time counselors.

(b)  All participating community-based organizations shall follow curriculum content and design approved by the department for training programs administered pursuant to this section.

(c)  All counselors trained in programs authorized by this section shall be subject to existing state and local testing and successful completion of training.

(d)  All costs associated with training programs administered pursuant to this section shall be absorbed by participating community-based organizations. This section shall not be construed to require or prohibit the funding of any training program administered pursuant to this section by the department, or by any local government administering a training program for HIV counselors.

(e)  This section shall not be construed to prohibit or otherwise restrict community-based organizations from participating in existing local training programs.

(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 273, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2003.)