American Association of Colleges of Nursing
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.
Source and rights
Published by Journal of professional nursing : official journal of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 1997. The guideline itself is at the source linked here.
Prognia summarises this guideline for reference and education. It is not medical advice. Always check the official guideline and current local protocols before acting on it.
At a glance
- Organisation
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing
- Published









