title: Policy and guidelines for prevention and management of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus infection in the nursing education community. American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
abstract: In order to reduce the possibility of exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) of nursing students, faculty, staff, and clients/patients, schools of nursing should adopt a policy encompassing mandatory vaccination for HBV and education, universal precautions, and other prevention techniques for HIV. Such a policy must conform to the requirements of local, state, and federal laws and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for preventing transmission of HIV/HBV as well as those of any parent institution and clinical site facilities. The policy should recognize individual rights, equal opportunity, voluntary testing, and confidentiality of test results and health records. It should contain procedures for receiving, managing, and counselling those who may have been exposed to HIV. And it should state that nursing personnel and nursing students cannot refuse to care for those with HIV, HBV, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). For students, faculty, and staff who are HIV positive, reasonable accommodation should be made by the school to allow continuation of education or career. The school should periodically review its policy for scientific correctness.
mesh_terms: D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006291:Health Policy; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D016272:Occupational Health; D012579:Schools, Nursing; D012956:Societies, Nursing; D013333:Student Health Services