POLICIES GOVERNING THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY

POLICY ON HIV/AIDS

Introduction

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a life-threatening, infectious disease, and a major public health issue. The University recognizes the challenge that this issue presents in responding to the University community’s concerns, and its obligation to individuals infected with HIV. Accordingly, should HIV/AIDS be reported at The University of Scranton, our response will reflect respect for the dignity and rights of the individual while protecting the health and safety of the University community at large.

The University of Scranton recognizes its obligation to increase general awareness and concern about AIDS and the impact the disease could have on the continuing commitment of the University to provide a healthful environment for students and employees. For the purpose of making conscientious, sensitive, and compassionate decisions in addressing the realities of HIV/AIDS, the University has established this policy in keeping with its Jesuit tradition.

Applicability

This policy applies to all members of the University community including vendor/contractor personnel operating University functions and using University facilities, such as the bookstore and food service operations.

Definition

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) causes HIV Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in which the immune system is suppressed, rendering the body vulnerable to opportunistic diseases.

Medical Background

There is no known medical cure at this time for HIV Infection or AIDS; it appears to be invariably fatal. The infectious complications and malignancies are the major killers. The consensus of medical authorities is that HIV is not readily communicable as long as access to the bloodstream is not involved. The Centers for Disease Control and the Public Health Service state “casual person-to-person contact appears to pose no risk.” Studies conducted by the CDC found that family members living with individuals who had AIDS did not become infected through casual contact. Therefore, such contact in academic or workplace settings poses no risk.

Legal Aspects

Anti-discrimination laws protect individuals who, despite physical or mental impairment, are capable of performing their duties. A June 23, 1986, Justice Department opinion concluded that AIDS qualifies as a handicap under Section 504 of the 1973 Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Also, HIV/AIDS falls under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, Pennsylvania Act 148, and the Americans With Disabilities Act. The laws against discrimination prohibit any inconsistent treatment of anyone diagnosed as having HIV/AIDS. Also, in keeping with ethical codes and Pennsylvania confidentiality laws on medical information (Act 148), strict confidentiality must be maintained by all members of the University community, regardless of their status.

The University of Scranton Affirmative Action Plan provides a procedure, including a grievance-filing form and grievance flow chart, for dealing with any instances of alleged discriminatory action.

Policies

HIV screening will not be required as a condition for admission or employment. Members of the University community who may become infected with HIV will not be excluded from enrollment, employment/promotion, participation in the programs of the University, or otherwise restricted in their access to the services or facilities including University residences. They will be encouraged to continue at the University for as long as their physical condition permits.

Should any individual or University department be voluntarily notified of a possible/confirmed exposure to HIV, the affected individual should be encouraged to seek prompt medical attention and counseling. Health information and/or referral is available to the University community through Student Health Services. The identity of the individual will be revealed to certain other personnel, on a need-to-know basis, only with informed and written consent of the HIV exposed individual.

Members of the University community who refuse to work with persons who have or are perceived to have HIV infection or AIDS will be counseled and educated in:

  1. How the virus is and is not transmitted.

  2. Federal and State laws regarding HIV/AIDS and discrimination.

If, after counseling and education, a member of the University community continues to refuse to work with an individual infected with HIV, he/she will be subject to appropriate progressive discipline, up to and including dismissal.

Because of the possibility that the identity of those with HIV infection may not be known, safety guidelines have been developed for laboratory and other settings in which there is handling of blood and bodily fluids. The universal precautions outlined by the CDC and regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will be implemented where appropriate.

Implementation

Myriad situations may arise in which decisions of legal, medical and moral issues will have to be made. Such decisions should be based on the best information and professional judgments available. This policy and its recommendations are intended to provide for the means by which administrative action may be initiated in addressing the realities of the AIDS epidemic.

There is no known cure for HIV/AIDS; therefore, one of the most important goals of this policy will be to establish means to increase awareness and provide education to prevent further spread of the disease. Educational programs will be offered to minimize the unfounded fears, and to raise the awareness of the community about the disease, its symptoms, the known means of transmission, and precautions for avoiding or reducing the risks of contracting it.

In conclusion, this policy reflects current information concerning HIV/AIDS. It will be revised and subject to change as research provides more information on diagnosis, treatment and transmission. Revisions to this policy will be recommended by the AIDS Policy Committee to the Affirmative Action Officer. This committee will also serve as an advisory group to the entire University community. The AIDS Policy Committee will include the Dean of The Panuska College of Professional Studies, as chairperson, the Director of the Counseling Center, the Director of Student Health Services, the Director of the Health Education and Wellness Center, representatives from Environmental Health & Safety, Human Resources Office, the Nursing Department, Admissions, Student Affairs, Student Government, Campus Ministries, and others as appropriate.

TEST YOUR “HIV/AIDS” I.Q.

True or False?

  1. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) causes AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).

  2. Only drug addicts and homosexual men are at risk for HIV/AIDS.

  3. HIV/AIDS is transmitted by casual contact.

  4. Healthy people who test positive for HIV antibodies can transmit HIV to others.

  5. You can protect yourself from AIDS.

  6. People who are infected with HIV will die from AIDS three months after infection.

  7. There is no cure for AIDS.

  8. Teenagers are a high-risk group for HIV infections.

  9. Women don’t have to worry about getting AIDS.

  10. AIDS is not a problem in Northeast Pennsylvania. People with AIDS live in large cities.

  11. If a person’s HIV test is negative, it means she or he is a “safe” sex partner.

  12. HIV testing is available at no cost.

ANSWERS TO: TEST YOUR “HIV/AIDS” I.Q.

  1. TRUE. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It attacks the immune system cells that normally fight infection (T-cells). Once these cells are destroyed the person with AIDS dies from overwhelming infections.

  2. FALSE. Anyone can get HIV. It’s not who you are, but what you do that puts you at risk for infection. High-risk behaviors are unprotected sexual intercourse (anal, oral or vaginal) and sharing dirty needles.

  3. FALSE. HIV is not transmitted casually. There have been no cases of HIV/AIDS from casual, everyday contact in the home, school or workplace.

  4. TRUE. Once a person is infected with HIV they can transmit it to others through unprotected sex or sharing needles. It may take 5 to 10 years to develop AIDS. During this time people can look and feel healthy.

  5. TRUE. You can protect yourself by sexual abstinence; monogamy with an uninfected partner; condom use during sexual activity; and by never sharing IV drug needles.

  6. FALSE. It takes 5 to 10 years (incubation period) for an infected person to develop AIDS.

  7. TRUE. There is no cure for AIDS, but treatment is available that can slow the development of AIDS. This should begin when T-Cells start to drop and should include healthy lifestyle behaviors.

  8. TRUE. Most recent cases of AIDS are seen in young adults (in their twenties) who were infected as teenagers.

  9. FALSE. There are an increasing number of cases of AIDS being reported in women. Women can get HIV easier than men as they are receptive sexual partners.

  10. FALSE. While the majority of AIDS cases have been reported in large cities, the numbers are increasing throughout the country. In fact: There are over 300 reported AIDS cases in Northeast Pennsylvania.

  11. FALSE. A person who has been tested for HIV may have been tested because of “risky behaviors” (e.g. multiple sex partners or sharing IV needles). He or she may not test HIV positive for 6 to 12 weeks after “risky behavior.” (In rare cases - it can take 24 months or longer to test HIV positive). He or she can still transmit HIV to others.

  12. TRUE. Anyone who believes he or she is at risk for HIV/AIDS can receive a free test at the State Health Department.

FOR LOCAL TESTING AND INFORMATION CALL:

HIV/AIDS Case Management

(570) 341-1286

Lackawanna County AIDS Council

(570) 842-3984

National AIDS Hotline

1-800-342-AIDS

The University of Scranton
Health Education and Wellness Office

(570) 941-4253