GBGAA
(IHAMC)
(JLCCA)
HUMAN IMMUNODEFFICIENCY
VIRUS (HIV) AND ACQUIRE
IMMUNODEFFICIENCY SYNDROME
(HIVS) POLICY AND PROCEDURES
Definition
Human Immunodefficiency Virus (HIV) damages the immune system and eventually cripples the body’s ability to fight disease. Acquired Immunodefficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a condition that is caused by HIV. In short, AIDS is the end result of an HIV infection and is a condition that can not be transmitted to another individual. However, the HIV can be spread from individual to individual. It is meaningful for all to understand the difference between the HIV and AIDS.
Studies have
indicated that HIV is not easily transmitted, but it is important to recognize
how the virus is spread.
Individuals infected with HIV can spread the virus through sexual contact
where semen is exchanged, blood to blood contact, and by intravenous drug users
sharing contaminated needles. Also,
an infected pregnant woman can pass the virus to her
fetus.
There is no
evidence that the HIV can be transmitted by shaking hands, biting, sneezing,
coughing, kissing on the cheek, sharing a classroom or office, or from drinking
fountains, plates, eating or cooking utensils, telephones, toilet seats, door
knobs, or mosquitoes.
General
Practice
There shall not be any employment discrimination against individuals who are infected or are perceived to be infected with the HIV. No school employees shall be terminated, non-renewed, demoted, suspended, transferred or subjected to any adverse personnel action because they are infected or perceived to be infected with the HIV. No individuals shall be denied employment because they are infected or perceived to be infected with the HIV. School employees who are unable to perform their duties due to illness arising from the HIV infection shall be treated the same as all other employees who suffer from a long term illness or other disabling condition. These employees shall be eligible for all benefits that are provided to other employees who suffer from long term illness or other disabling condition.
There shall not be any discrimination against students who are infected with the HIV. The HIV students will have the same rights, privileges, and services accorded other students.
Both employees and students infected with the HIV are highly susceptible to infection. In the event of serious epidemic, these individuals may need to be excused from attendance at school until the impending risk to their health has subsided.
an employee who, despite reasonable accommodation, is unable to perform his/her duties due to an illness, including an illness related to HIV or AIDS.
APPROVED:
September,
1987
REVISED:
June,
1992
The Superintendent or school official who has been notified that a student or staff member is infected with HIV shall follow standard procedures (enumerated under “Control of Infection” on page 2 of this document) to ensure the safety of persons in the school setting and to plan to support the person with the illness on a case-by-case basis.
Information
regarding whether an individual(employee or student) who is or has become
infected with the HIV or say other information regarding the individual’s
medical condition shall be treated with the highest degree of
confidentiality. Since the HIV is
not transmitted through conduct permitted in school students or staff members
who are infected are not required to disclose this information to the
school. However, disclosure of this
information may be in the best interest of the individual infected in the event
of an illness or infectious outbreak in the school that might place that
individual at a higher risk than other individuals in the school. For this reason the school shall
designate one person to whom the HIV infected individual may disclose
information regarding their condition.
The School Board shall determine who this designee will be with the
consent of the proposed designee.
The school’s designee, the infected individual and the individual’s
personal physician and, if applicable, the individual’s parent or guardian shall
determine whether further action or disclosure is warranted. The identity of the HIV infected
individual shall not be disclosed without the written consent of the individual
or, if applicable, the person’s parent or guardian.
Staff members who become aware of the identity or presence of an HIV infected individual at the school, shall not disclose that information to others without the written consent of the individual. The disclosure will subject the staff member to the appropriate disciplinary action.
Mandatory
screening or testing for HIV infection shall not be a condition for employment,
continued employment, student enrollment or continued enrollment. Requests from an individual’s personal
physician asking for a waiver to be granted from immunizations for “medical
reason” shall be honored. This is
important because certain immunizations may cause severe illness or result in
other medical conditions which may be harmful or potentially life threatening to
individuals infected with the HIV.
Blood and Bleeding
Injuries
Individuals who will assist in managing bleeding injuries and scrapes should recognize that getting blood on their own unbroken skin does not pose a risk. Therefore, individuals responsible for the provision of first aid shall continue to be responsible even in situations where they are exposed to blood. It is important in these situations to provide a barrier between the care giver’s skin and the injured person. The school will provide and insist on the use of latex gloves when handling bodily fluids.
First aid kits must be available in all areas where injuries, accidents and medical emergencies are likely to occur.
Extensive research has not provided evidence that the HIV is transmitted through body fluids such as vomit, nasal discharge, saliva, urine or feces. However, other infections such as hepatitis A, colds, and influenza may be transmitted. Additionally, since individuals who are infected with HIV are not required to disclose this information it is therefore, prudent to assume each individual is a potential HIV carrier and exercise sound judgement and use precaution when handling all body fluids of any individual. Any individual cleaning up body fluids must use latex gloves or a thick layer of paper towels. Infection of the exposed area must be done and all cleaning equipment used must be disinfected.
Hand washing is the most important means of interrupting the transmission of infectious disease from one individual to another. Therefore, hands must be washed after using the bathroom facilities, before preparing or serving food, before eating or drinking, and after handling items soiled with body fluids or waste such as saliva, blood, stool or urine. Hands must also be washed when latex gloves are removed.
The use of a
fresh solution of household bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) is the
simplest way to disinfect areas, clothing and cleaning
equipment.
The school will provide an annual workshop for all employees on the HIV and their role in the prevention of the HIV.
The school will
provide annually a basic first aid training/refresher course for all
employees.
The school will incorporate into the Health Curriculum HIV/AIDS education.
The school shall develop an HIV/AIDS information center in the school library for the use of teachers, students and parents.