Frequently asked questions...
What is an HIV/AIDS Planning Council?
The Las Vegas TGA HIV/AIDS Planning Council is a community planning group that oversees the prioritization and allocation of Ryan White Modernization Act Part A funds.
What does the Council do?
The Council has several major duties, including: determining the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS, especially those not in care; setting priorities for the allocation of funds; developing a comprehensive plan for the organization and delivery of health services; and assessing the efficiency of the grant administration.
The Council is also responsible for ensuring that services are coordinated with prevention and substance abuse treatment. The Council is mandated to focus on people who are not in care (i.e. not receiving HIV/AIDS primary medical care) by assessing their needs and developing programs to bring and retain them in care.
When and where does the Council meet?
Refer to the “Calendar of Events” page for a list of dates and times.
How to contact the Council or Staff?
The Planning Council's Administrative Office can be reached at 702-455-7255 or by email at S1C@co.clark.nv.us.
Who is on the Council?
There are about 21 seats on the Las Vegas TGA Planning Council. The federal legislation mandates a number of areas of representation such as people living with HIV, community-based organizations, housing and homeless providers, social services providers, substance abuse providers, and medical providers. It also specifies that organizations funded under other parts of the Modernization Act, such as Part C and Part D, and other federal programs, such as HOPWA, be represented. The membership must reflect the demographics of the epidemic in the TGA which includes a broad range of backgrounds.
Are people with HIV/AIDS on the Council?
Yes, federal legislation mandates that at least 33% of Council members be unaffiliated consumers of Ryan White services and that they reflect the demographics of the epidemic. Additionally one Co-Chair must be living with HIV/AIDS.
How does one join the Council?
Membership application forms are available from Council staff and on this website under the Membership page. The Membership Committee reviews applications and interviews potential applicants once per year. The Membership Committee selects nominees and forwards names to the full Council. The Council votes on the applicants, and the names are forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for appointment. The Membership Committee strongly recommends that persons thinking about applying to the Council attend several Council or committee meetings first to familiarize themselves with the processes.
How long is the term of office?
Council members are appointed for a two-year term. Members can re-apply for additional two-year terms, as long as they are in good standing with the Council attendance requirements. They must also update their membership application and conflict of interest form which is review by the Membership Committee. Their name is then forwarded to the entire Council for approval of a second term followed by re-appointment by the Board of County Commissioners.
Can anyone participate without becoming a member?
Yes, everyone is invited to attend the Planning Councils open meetings under Nevada Open Meeting Law. Public posting are provided throughout the community the week prior to each meeting as well as posted on this website.
What area’s does it serve?
The Las Vegas TGA serves Clark County Nevada, Nye County Nevada, and Mohave County Arizona.
Who administers the programs?
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) administers the programs on the federal level. They are a part of Health and Human Services (HHS). On the local level the Grantee under the Department of Social Services administers the funds for Ryan White Part A.
What determines how much money Las Vegas gets?
Congress appropriates the funding for the Ryan White Modernization Act services each year. Two-thirds of the money for Part A is distributed through a formula that estimates the number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the area. The one-third is allocated through a competitive grant proposal process.
What are funds used for?
Federal legislation mandates that at least 75% of allocated care dollars must be used for Primary Medical care while no more than 25% can be allocated to Supportive Services. A small percentage is used for the administration of the Grant including necessary activities such as; the needs assessment, evaluation, and comprehensive planning.
Are there things that the funds can't be used for?
Yes. It must be used as the payor of last resort, meaning that if a service can be paid for somewhere else, such as Medicaid, it cannot be paid for by through Ryan White.
Who can get services?
Ryan White services are for people living with HIV/AIDS who are low income and uninsured or underinsured. Some services are also available to the family members of people living with HIV/AIDS. Programs or agencies may have additional eligibility criteria, such as disability.
Where are Ryan White services available?
Services are available at several locations throughout the three counties we serve. For a list of Ryan White Part A service providers in the area check out our Service in Las Vegas page.
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