MSN HANDBOOK

POLICY ON HIV/AIDS AND OTHER BLOOD BORN DISEASES DEFINITIONS

HIV/AIDS
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a condition in which the body’s ability to defend itself against a variety of diseases is seriously reduced. This condition apparently is caused by a virus known most commonly as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Yet, there is no known cure for AIDS.

HIV POSITIVE
When a person is infected with HIV, his or her immune system responds by producing antibodies against the virus. Antibodies can be detected by a laboratory test, though symptoms of illness may not be present. Antibodies generally develop within three (3) to twelve (12) weeks after exposure but may take as long as fourteen (14) months. Such an infection apparently cannot be reversed and may develop into AIDS.

PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING THE POLICY ON HIV AND OTHER BLOOD BORN DISEASES 

  1. A primary objective of the HIV/AIDS policy is education for the prevention of any acquisition or transmission of HIV/AIDS.
  2. AUHS SON graduate program shall respond to any known case of HIV/AIDS as it would to any other life- threatening, contagious disease. At no time will the University discriminate against any persons because they are infected by HIV.
  3. AUHS SON graduate program personnel will act to combat fear, prejudice, discrimination, irrationality, paranoia, and/or hysteria commonly associated with HIV/AIDS.

POLICY ON HIV/AIDS AND OTHER BLOODBORNE DISEASES

  1. Responsibility for ongoing, educational programming on HIV/AIDS shall be assigned to the faculty and the Dean. Such educational programming shall be directed to all members of the AUHS SON graduate program community, including administrators, faculty, staff, and students.
  2. AUHS SON graduate program shall attempt to conform to all local, state, and federal laws and the Center for Disease Control guidelines.
  3. AUHS SON graduate program allows persons who are HIV-positive to remain on campus, but they must not engage in or endorse life-style practices which might pose a direct threat of transmitting the virus to others.
  4. AUHS SON graduate program will not undertake program screening to identify persons infected with HIV unless required to do so by law. Students and University employees desiring HIV testing are directed to seek assistance from their personal physicians or the public health departments.
  5. It is expected that all health care professional adheres to medically determined policies regarding the safe disposal of hypodermic needles, blood, and other bodily fluids. Adherence to these same precautions will be practiced in laboratory courses and whenever members of the AUHS SON Graduate Program community, including administrators, faculty, staff, and students encounter bodily fluids.
  6. AUHS SON graduate program employees will protect the confidentiality of any person who tests HIV positive, as mandated by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.
  7. Students and University employees involved in extra-curricular activities and/or activities, which place them at risk, shall take appropriate, precautionary measures to reduce risk to themselves or others.
  8. Due to the inherent risks of laboratory and -clinical facilities, students are required to take appropriate precautionary measures in dealing with the blood and body fluids, handling of needles, and any laboratory or hospital equipment that may pose a threat to themselves or to other persons. In the event of an incident involving the risk of HIV or Hepatitis transmission, the student or University employee has an ethical duty to immediately report the incident to a designated University official. The Student Statement Regarding Hepatitis B, HIV, and other Infectious Diseases can be found in the appendix. Additional information on HIV/AIDS can be obtained from the Center for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/