JHCC-1 COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
J - STUDENTS
STUDENTS INFECTED WITH ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS)
OR HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV)
Information that a student of the Uinta County School District Number One is afflicted with HIV Infection or AIDS could arise from different sources. If a student or the student’s parents or guardian advises a member of the staff that the student has HIV Infection or AIDS or is suspected of having any of these, the staff member will report that information immediately to the superintendent.
The school district is not in the business of screening for HIV or AIDS; however, if school district administrative personnel have reasonable cause, as agreed in conference with public health officials, to believe a student has the clinical disease, the school may require the student to submit to an appropriate medical evaluation.
If the student or any person other than a student’s parents or guardian reports that a student has or is suspected of having HIV infection or AIDS, the superintendent will meet with the student’s parents or guardians as soon as possible. The superintendent will determine if the parents/guardians have knowledge of the student’s infection, and if not, whether further medical examination is desired. If the superintendent confirms that the student is infected, the following procedure will be followed:
1. The superintendent will report the student’s illness to the Wyoming Department of Public Health.
2. The superintendent will discuss the educational options with a Health Review Committee composed of the following: (1) The superintendent, who will serve as spokesperson for the Committee; (2) the parents; (3) the student’s physician and/or a local physician; (4) public health personnel; (5) building principal; and, (6) the school nurse. The Health Review Committee shall make written recommendations for educational placement after weighing the risks and benefits to both the infected child and to others in the educational setting.
3. The committee shall use the current criteria established by the Center for Disease Control as the basis for making decisions. Given the nature of the disease and our knowledge of the disease at the present time, these criteria are subject to change. In addition to that criteria, the Committee shall also consider: (a) the behavior, neurological development and physical condition of the student; (b) the expected type of interaction with others in the school setting; (c) the impact on the student who has the clinical disease and on others in that setting; and, (d) students will be able to participate in athletic and extracurricular activities unless otherwise indicated. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
4. School counseling services will be made available to work with HIV infected students, students afflicted with AIDS and the families of these students.
5. It is the position of the Uinta County School District Number One that students infected with HIV who are able to participate in a classroom program of studies or related services and who are in control of their behavior and bodily functions will be allowed to attend school in an unrestricted manner, because of the apparent nonexistent risk of transmission of the HIV virus in this setting.
A more restricted school environment may be necessary for students infected with HIV who lack control of their bodily functions and/or display behaviors such as biting or have another medical condition, which may increase the risk of transmission. For such students, a more individualized approach will be necessary and a school attendance plan for these students will be developed on a case-by-case basis.
6. An important consideration is the physical well being of the HIV or AIDS afflicted students. Since the disease severely depresses the immune system, any of the minor infections or childhood diseases, which are common among children, could be life threatening to an afflicted student. It may be advisable to recommend a restricted educational environment, either permanently or temporarily, for the protection of the HIV or AIDS student.
7. Students who remain away from school because they have HIV Infection or AIDS will receive a homebound program.
8. If an alternative educational program is required, the building principal and the superintendent will establish that program in the least restrictive environment possible. At least once each semester or as needed, the principal will call a meeting of the Committee to review the case and, if necessary, make any adjustments in the student’s program.
9. Written consent is required for the release of any information concerning a person’s HIV status, and only on a "Need to Know" basis.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Protection of the confidentiality of information regarding HIV or AIDS infected students is of utmost importance. When and HIV or AIDS infected student is identified, the superintendent is to establish a separate file on that student to which only he/she and the Health Review Committee members for that student are to have access. No entry regarding the student’s condition is to be made on the student’s cumulative record, health card, the computerized student database or other record.
Policy Cross References:
» GBE - STAFF HEALTH AND SAFETY
» GBE-1 - COMMUNICABLE DISEASE POLICY
» GBE-2 - STAFF HEALTH AND SAFETY