To be available for all at
the Headmaster/Principal/Health offices.
HIV/AIDS AND BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS POLICY STATEMENT
The following is the complete text of the
There shall be no
discrimination in employment based solely on HIV/AIDS infection. No employee
shall be terminated, transferred or subjected to adverse action based solely on
the fact of infection or perceived infection. Employees who are unable to
safely perform their duties due to illness (including, but not limited to
HIV/AIDS) shall retain eligibility for all benefits provided for other school
employees who are likewise unable to perform their duties, and who suffer from
any illness, long-term disease or disabling condition. In determining an
HIV/AIDS infected employee's ability to continue in employment, the Academy
will consider making reasonable accommodations to the employee's condition,
consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.
Barring special
circumstances, such as untreated tuberculosis or a significant health problem
that will restrict that individual's ability to work safely, employees who are
infected or perceived to be infected with HIV/AIDS shall continue with the job
to which they would have been assigned had they not been infected. They are
entitled to the same rights, privileges and services accorded to other
employees.
The Head
Nurse has been appointed as the contact person for HIV/AIDS at
BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS EXPOSURE PLAN
Primary preventive actions
include:
§
Hepatitis B prophylaxis for
employees whose job classification may result in exposure to blood or other
potentially infectious materials, ex. nursing staff, athletic trainers/coaches,
custodians, and teacher aides who are required to provide toilet assistance,
etc.
§
prevent/minimize direct
contact
§
use of standard (formerly
universal) precautions whenever a potential for exposure exists:
-
use of immediate and
thorough hand washing after an exposure, and the completion of appropriate
forms at the Health Office for follow-up of the exposure incident
-
use of disposable gloves
(latex, rubber, plastic) to provide a barrier; additional gloves may be
obtained from the Health Office
-
use of Personal Protective
Equipment when such exposure can be anticipated
Post-Exposure Evaluation
and Follow-up:
§
All exposures must be
reported to the Health Office.
§
A written report of
exposure (as defined by CDC/OSHA) incident will be completed.
§
The exposed individual(s)
will be provided with post-exposure evaluation and follow-up and offered
post-exposure prophylaxis, according to current CDC recommendations, at no cost
to the employee.
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by a
virus known as HIV (human
immunodeficiency virus). This virus damages the body's ability to fight
disease, making it susceptible to a variety of illnesses including certain
serious conditions referred to as opportunistic infections. These include such
conditions known as Kaposi's Sarcoma, pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, tuberculosis, etc. The occurrence of one
of these opportunistic infections or AIDS associated dementia provides a basis
for the diagnosis of AIDS. From the time an individual becomes infected with
HIV, before any symptoms develop—before most tests for HIV would be positive
(usually 1-3 months, but possibly 6 months or more after becoming
infected)—they may infect others with the virus. HIV can be transmitted through
sexual contact, sharing contaminated needles/syringes, transfusions of infected
blood/components, transplantation of infected tissues/organs, and via infected
body fluids.
The virus has been found in varying amounts in blood, semen, saliva,
tears, sweat, breast milk, and vaginal secretions. Dried body fluids reduce the
amounts of live virus by 90-99% within several hours. Toothbrushes, razors, and
other personal care items that could potentially become contaminated with blood
should not be shared. Tattooing and body piercing place people at increased
risk of HIV transmission. Human bites also increase the risk of transmission.
Contact with saliva, tears, and sweat have not been shown to result in
transmission of HIV. There has been one documented case of HIV transmission
through acupuncture (CDC).
Some symptoms include (a) persistent cough, fever, shortness of
breath, multiple purplish blotches, bumps
on the skin, night sweats, weight loss, memory loss, partial paralysis,
persistent generalized swollen glands, changes in mental status or behavior,
etc. Diagnosis of AIDS, however, may not be made for 1-15 years (the average,
being 11 years) after the initial infection. This might result in infection of
others because the infected individual may not feel sick and probably will not
have testing unless they recognize that they have been exposed to HIV through
risky or promiscuous sexual behavior, drug usage, blood or other bodily fluids.
Prevention involves elimination of risk factors and/or risky behaviors, careful
adherence to proper standard (formerly universal) precautions, and strictly
monogamous sexual relationships, or abstinence. AIDS is usually the end stage
of HIV infection.
AIDS is a communicable disease. As with all diseases where contagion is
a concern, precautions to prevent transmission need to be outlined. Because of
the emotional issues involved and the seriousness of this disease, these are
being specifically outlined. Since HIV is not spread through casual social
contact or behaviors that are acceptable or permitted at school, it should not
be necessary to share the identity of a student or employee who has HIV/AIDS.
Any decision to disclose the identity of an infected individual should be based
solely on their medical/ educational needs and should be done only with the
knowledge and written consent of that individual or parent/guardian. As in most
states, patients in New Hampshire have a statutory right of confidentiality
with respect to their medical records and medical information (N.H. RSA
329:26).
In the absence of legal process, except for a variety of narrow
exceptions, medical practitioners have a duty to release a patient's privileged
information only to the patient, the patient’s authorized representative, the
attending physician, and other practitioners with a legitimate interest in the
patient's case. One individual,
(preferably the Head Nurse and an alternate designee, as appropriate) should be
appointed and identified as the contact person for HIV/AIDS at Pinkerton
Academy. It is very important that any student (parent/guardian) or employee
with HIV/AIDS be notified if there are reported illnesses in the school that
may pose a threat to the infected individual, whose immune system has already been compromised.
Because immunizations may cause illness in those with immune
deficiencies, the school nurse may learn that a student is infected with
HIV/AIDS when asked to approve an immunization waiver. The waiver shall state
that the student is "Medically Excused" from the immunization
requirements. In order to protect health, life, and confidentiality, it is essential that the infected individual
contact the designee(s). Normal activities should be continued whenever
possible, and any changes to work schedules and other activities, including participation in sports will be made on an
individual basis. Contact sports will
require a physician's approval. The designee(s), along with the infected
individual, their personal physician, and parent/guardian shall determine if
further action is medically or educationally warranted.
An Advisory HIV/AIDS Team will be available for consultation with the
Pinkerton designee(s) to review and assist with making recommendations for any
student/faculty member identified with HIV/AIDS. The team may include as many
of the following as indicated by the individual case: the Pinkerton Academy
designee(s), who will chair the team meeting and provide the information needed
for the decision‑making process; an administrative representative; the
school physician; school nurse(s); a guidance counselor or Special Education
representative; representatives of the State Department of Education and
Communicable Disease Control; the parent/guardian; student or employee, (and
immediate supervisor, if appropriate); the individual's physician; and any
other appropriately involved professionals. Changes in the educational program
or work assignment will be made on a case‑by‑case basis: utilizing the best available medical and
scientific evidence and advice, while considering
the condition of the infected individual.
We must keep in mind the importance of providing adequate protection and
notification to the infected individual to prevent exposure to infection that
may pose additional threats to health and life, with an emphasis on
recommendations being "reasonable." This policy is intended to ensure
the treatment of the infected individual in a confidential and compassionate
manner. Discussion and decisions of the team can usually be carried out effectively
without disclosing the name of the individual involved. The infected individual
may opt to meet with the designee(s), and their physician prior to a team
meeting. An individual may choose to have their concerns presented by the
designee to the team, instead of attending the team meeting, particularly, if
the decision to disclose their identity has not yet been made. The infected
individual may then review the recommendations made, request clarification,
etc. as needed. The designee(s) shall request periodic reevaluation by the team
as needed. Decisions of the team may be appealed to the Headmaster.
As previously stated above, Pinkerton Academy shall establish a program
of ongoing education for HIV/AIDS for all employees and students. This program
shall include information about the nature of HIV/AIDS infection, how it is and
is not transmitted according to current information available, procedures for
infection control and prevention, and resources available to obtain further
information, testing, etc. AIDS
education will be presented in a professional manner provided as part of the
Health Curriculum, which is required
for all students. It may also be addressed in other academic areas as
appropriate. The policy of the Academy in dealing with HIV/AIDS-infected
students and employees will be included in all appropriate publications. Review of standard (formerly
universal) procedures shall be provided annually for individuals whose
responsibilities are primarily maintenance and/or custodial. By the nature of
its makeup, this document will also serve as an educational tool.
There is no evidence that HIV is transmitted through contact with vomitus, nasal discharge, saliva, urine, or feces. These
bodily fluids, however, might transmit Hepatitis A and B, colds, influenza, and
other viruses, making it common sense to use precautions when handling all
bodily fluids of all persons. Proper hand-washing is the most important means
of interrupting transmission. Employees should always use non-latex gloves.
Contaminated items should then be bagged and disposed. Disinfection of exposed
surfaces such as floors and furniture is essential.
Blood is the most important source of HIV (and Hepatitis B and C)
transmission in the workplace. Employees who may occasionally render
First Aid should avoid coming in contact with blood, etc. by using a barrier. It is best to treat all bodily fluids as
though they were infectious. A solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water,
freshly diluted, (or other approved solution), is the simplest way to
decontaminate blood spills. Soiled cleaning equipment should also be
decontaminated.
Any individual who may experience inadvertent
exposure to blood or other bodily fluids without the benefit of gloves, or
other appropriate barrier, should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and
water as soon as possible after exposure. Such exposure should then be reported
to the nursing staff so that any follow-up procedures may be initiated. HIV
Protocol for follow‑up of persons exposed to another person's blood shall
comply with the recommendations of the N.H. Dept. of Communicable Disease
Control.
In its 1987 decision, the Supreme Court determined that a person with a
communicable disease may be considered handicapped under Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In September 1988, the U.S. Dept. of Justice issued
a statement that people with HIV/AIDS are covered under Section 504. HIV/AIDS
infection cannot be the basis of exclusion from school, work, sports teams,
etc., if the individual is otherwise qualified, unless it can be determined
that the individual poses a direct health threat to others.
In the case of a student who is already participating in a special
program under I.D.E.A. (P.L. 94‑142), only a Special Education Team may
alter the student's program. The Advisory HIV/AIDS Team may make
recommendations but changes remain the responsibility of the Special Education
Team. If there is no risk to the school community or to the student's well‑being,
the Special Education Team need not consider the case. If a change is required,
the Special Education Team must consider the student's needs while ensuring
that confidentiality is not violated in the process.
Students who become infected with HIV/AIDS, who were not considered
disabled before their infection, may eventually need changes in
their school program because of deteriorating health. However,
unnecessarily segregating a student may be considered a violation of the
student's rights. Students with HIV/AIDS may occasionally need to alter their schedule
due to illness. They should be treated
like all other students who have occasional illnesses, unless the parents
request otherwise or it is felt that health problems are significantly
interfering with the student's academic achievement. In this instance, the
student may be referred to the appropriate district for coding as "Other
Health Impaired" and become eligible to receive services provided under
I.D.E.A. (PL94‑142).
If a parent informs an employee about confidential information related
to their child's health or safety, the employee is put in an awkward position.
As employees are required to report communicable diseases to the Health
Services staff, the employee should explain the policy and urge the parent to
contact the appropriate person, in the case of HIV/AIDS infection, the
designee(s) (Head Nurse). If the employee reports information in good faith to
the appropriate individual, the employee shall not be held legally liable for divulging the information. Employees are
cautioned that it is never appropriate to share confidential information with
persons who do not have the "need to know."
It is important to stress that HIV is transmitted by risky behavior, not
by "risk groups." Anyone
can be infected if they engage in activities that expose them to HIV.
Further information may be obtained from the Health Office or by calling
the N.H. AIDS Hotline 1‑800‑752‑AIDS or the State of N.H. Communicable Disease Control AIDS
Program at 1‑603‑271‑4576. Internet
information is updated regularly by CDC at www.cdc.gov. CDC National AIDS Hotline
1-800-342-AIDS (for Spanish 1-800-344-SIDA).