HELP....Please...Trying to research a subject

Nurses General Nursing

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I am sorry that my first post is this and not an introduction. I am not a nurse. Hope to be one day. Not gonna happen anytime soon but, one day. I am trying to research for a paper. I am going crazy. I don't expect you guys to do my work for me but help me navigate the info. Basically I am writing about whether or not there should be mandatory HIV testing for healthcare employees. I am getting mixed info online and can't determine what is the most recent policy. The CDC website isn't working out for me. I can't find a specifice policy regarding healthcare workers. What is the law? Is there a law? From what I am reading there is no designation between HCWs HIV status and the general population. It appears it may have been different in the past. For those of you employed, what requirements do you have to adhere to? I read the ANA's position that they do not support mandatory testing. I cant find any other organization's policy AMA, etc. I am going crazy, Sorry and thank you.

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Specializes in Med-Surg., Agency Nursing, LTC., MDS..

Did you try the Infectious disease specialty forum here at allnurses.com ? I'm not sure why there should be a reason for any mandatory HIV testing for health care workers. They do not share their blood or needles or have sex with their patients. Just my very first thought...:twocents:

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Specializes in ED.

I've never heard of any law that makes this a requirement. There is certainly no federal law on the subject. It's possible, and shameful, that I state law might make such a requirement. There is really no reason for it. Unlike the Hep B and C, HIV is not "easily" passed from person to person. Most authoritative agencies agree that there is no risk of infection if basic precautions are followed.

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Specializes in ER, IICU, PCU, PACU, EMS.

I'm not aware of any mandatory testing....if it's coming down the pike, might as well throw hepatitis in there as well!

I wouldn't think this type of testing is necessary.

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Thank you. I personally agree. I have just found mixed info. CDC had some 1998 reccomendations regarding HIV+ HCWs being tested and evaluated by a panel and determined if they should still conduct exposure prone treatment. I am guessing this never passed. It seems that things lined up with the reccomended testing for the general public i.e risky behavior etc. I have found old cases from the 90s but current positions are hard to find. I understand, and agree, that the focus is on prevention and HIV is not as easily transmitted as was once believed. Thanks again. Keep em coming.

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