HIV/AIDS Policy

The St. Cloud State University HIV/AIDS policy is based on recommendations of the Center for Disease Control, the U.S. Public Health Service and the Minnesota Department of Health.

Purpose:

To assist the university in responding to issues and questions posed in relation to HIV infection and AIDS. Guidelines are developed to:

1. Protect individual rights of confidentiality and freedom from discrimination.
2. Promote an on-going educational program that provides current, accurate information to the university community.
3. Promote behaviors that reduce/minimize the risk of acquiring HIV infection.

General Guidelines:

HIV is not easily transmitted. It is not spread through casual contact; therefore, employees and students who are HIV positive do not pose a health risk to other members of the academic community. HIV is transmitted via blood or body fluids that contain blood; a) during intimate sexual activities, b) by transfusion of infected blood or blood products, c) from infected mothers to infants, and d) sharing used needles contaminated by infected IV drug users.

1. OSHA standards of Universal Precautions/Exposure Control Plans must be followed when handling blood, body fluids, used needles and equipment or surfaces that are contaminated with blood or body fluids.
2. Guidelines concerning the handling of confidential medical information about students or employees with a positive HIV status will follow the general standards for confidentiality as established by the amendment to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. (The duty of physicians and other health care providers to protect the confidentiality of information is superseded by the necessity to protect others only in a very specific, threatening circumstance.)
3. Admission of students or employment decisions for those applying to attend or work at the university will not include consideration of the existence of HIV.
4. Individual requests for special considerations or accommodations as a result of HIV infection will be reviewed and recommendations will be made by the Unit Director/Department Chair in collaboration with Medical Clinic Administrator and/or Medical Director.
5. Medical care for students who are HIV positive is available at the on-campus Medical Clinic. Testing for individuals concerned about their HIV status is also available.
6. Any individual with a positive HIV status whose personal behavior poses imminent risk to members of the university community will be evaluated on an individual basis consistent with university policies and judicial proceedings.