Download (AIDS)/Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Rockford Public Schools
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Students
Management of Students with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
(AIDS)/Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
The Rockford Board of Education recognizes the need to establish a policy to protect the
rights of any District student who has been diagnosed as having Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)/Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection.
This policy was developed consistent with guidelines of the U.S. Department of Public
Health Services Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy
of Pediatrics Task Force Report on Pediatric Aids (6/1/91).
Background
The following factors have provided a knowledge basis for policy and procedure
development:
A.
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) causes AIDS, a disease characterized
by a collapse of the body’s natural immunity against disease.
B.
Current medical data indicate that AIDS/HIV is transmitted by an exchange of
bodily fluids, primarily blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk.
C.
Current medial data indicates that AIDS/HIV is not transmitted through casual
school or other social contact. The United States Surgeon General has reported
that:
None of the identified cases of AIDS in the United States are known or are
suspected to have transmitted from one child to another in a school, day
care, or foster care setting. Transmission would necessitate exposure of
open cuts to the blood or other bodily fluids of the infected child, a highly
unlikely occurrence. Even then, routine safety procedures for handling
blood or other bodily fluids (which should be standard for all children in
the school or day care setting) would be effective in preventing
transmission from children with AIDS to other children in the school.
D.
A person with AIDS/HIV infection is highly susceptible to common infectious
diseases or fatal illnesses due to the immunodeficiency.
E.
As recommended by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the American
Academy of Pediatrics, most school-aged children with AIDS/HIV infection
should be allowed to attend school in an unrestricted manner, with the approval of
their physician.
F.
Since the diagnosis of AIDS/HIV infection may stigmatize the person, the District
will maintain confidentiality of all records and information consistent with state
law.
Rockford Public Schools
G.
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The use of the District Blood Borne Pathogens Exposure Control plan,
specifically Universal Precautions, lowers the risk of transmission of most blood
borne infectious diseases, including AIDS/HIV.
Policy
A student with Acquired Immunodeficiency
Syndrome
(AIDS)/Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has all rights, privileges, and services provided by law
and the District’s policies. The Superintendent will develop procedures to implement this
policy:
1. No District student who is diagnosed with AIDS/HIV infection may be prevented
from participating in the continuation of his/her education on the basis of this
diagnosis. If a student with HIV infection cannot participate fully in the regular
education program because of medical status, the District will provide an
appropriate educational program in the least restrictive environment.
2. No student shall be required to have any testing or medical consultation to rule
out the possibility of HIV infection.
3. AIDS/HIV information will remain strictly confidential consistent with the
Illinois Department of Public Health Rules and Regulations for the Control of
Communicable Diseases. The General Superintendent and Building Principal of
the school which the child attends shall be informed of the identity of the infected
child. As provided in the procedures below, further disclosure will occur pursuant
only to a signed authorization for release of information or court order.
4. Because AIDS/HIV infection is a progressive disease, periodic medical and
educational monitoring will be conducted by the individual school Building
Principal and the Pupil Personnel Service Team (PPS) which will evaluate each
student on an individual basis using the latest public health information. The
Superintendent will establish a Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease
Review Team that will recommend procedures for the District and will also
coordinate educational and medical monitoring with the individual Building
Principal and his/her PPS. The review team shall consist of the School Board
Attorney, Coordinator of Health Services, and a physician consultant.
LEGAL REF.:
Rehabilitation Act, Section 504, 29 U.S.C. §794(a).
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. §1400 et
seq.
410 ILCS 315/2a.
105 ILCS 5/10-21.11.
CROSS REF.:
Adopted:
October 28, 1997