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EASTON AREA
SCHOOL DISTRICT
No. 314.1
SECTION:
ADMINISTRATIVE
EMPLOYEES
TITLE:
HIV INFECTION
ADOPTED:
October 19, 2006
REVISED:
314.1. HIV INFECTION
1.
Purpose
The Board is committed to providing a safe, healthy environment for its students and
employees. The purpose of this policy shall be to safeguard the health and well-
being of students and employees while protecting the rights of the individual.
This policy is based on current evidence that the HIV virus is not normally
transmissible by infected individuals within the school setting, except as noted in
this policy.
2.
Definitions
HIV infection – Refers to the disease caused by the HIV or human
immunodeficiency virus.
AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
CDCP – United States Public Health Service Center for Disease Control and
Prevention.
Infected employee - Refers to employees diagnosed as having the HIV virus,
including those who are asymptomatic.
3.
Authority
SC 510
This policy shall apply to all employees in all programs conducted by the school
district.
The Board directs that the established district policies and procedures that relate to
illnesses among employees shall also apply to infected employees.
35 P.S.
7601 et seq
The Board shall not require routine screening tests for HIV infection in the school
setting, nor will such tests be a condition for employment.
4.
Delegation of
Responsibility
The Superintendent or designee shall be responsible for handling and releasing
information concerning infected employees.
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All district employees shall maintain a respectful working climate and shall not
participate in physical or verbal harassment of any individual or group, including
infected employees.
All employees shall be required to consistently follow infection control/universal
precautions in all settings and at all times. Employees shall notify the school nurse of
all incidents of exposure to bodily fluids.
Building administrators shall notify district employees, students and parents/
guardians about current Board policies concerning HIV infection and shall provide
reasonable opportunities to discuss the policy and related concerns.
The Superintendent or designee shall report periodically to the Board regarding the
effectiveness of this policy and shall make recommendations for revision in
accordance with developments in medical research and treatments.
5.
Guidelines
42 U.S.C.
Sec. 12101 et seq
29 U.S.C.
Sec. 2601 et seq
Infected employees whose employment is interrupted or terminated shall be entitled
to available medical leave and medical disability benefits. Such employees shall be
informed by the appropriate administrator of benefits, leave, and alternatives
available to them through state and federal laws, district policies, the collective
bargaining agreement, and the retirement system.
Confidentiality
35 P.S. 7607
District employees with knowledge of an infected employee’s condition shall not
disclose that information without prior written consent of the employee, consistent
with the requirements of the Pennsylvania Confidentiality of HIV-Related
Information Act.
Infection Control
Universal precautions shall be followed for exposure to bodily fluids. Employees
shall treat all body fluids as hazardous and follow universal precautions.
The school district shall maintain reasonably accessible equipment and supplies
necessary for infection control.
Staff Development
All district employees shall participate in a planned HIV education program.
Designated district employees shall receive additional, specialized training
appropriate to their positions and responsibilities.
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References:
School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 510
PA Confidentiality of HIV-Related Information Act – 35 P.S. 7607
Americans With Disabilities Act – 42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq
Family and Medical Leave Act – 29 U.S.C. Sec. 2601 et seq