NCJ Number
115621
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 51 Issue: 1 Dated: (February 1989) Pages: 35-36
Date Published
1989
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Responding to the emerging problem of AIDS, the American Correctional Association has adopted a resolution on AIDS in the correctional setting.
Abstract
Because of rapid changes in the AIDS information available and the probable need to modify policies, the Association's AIDS Task Force felt that a resolution, rather than a policy statement, would be more easily adaptable to change. As outlined in the resolution, correctional institutions should follow universal precautions for infection control as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. These precautions are based on the assumption that no person's blood or body fluids are safe. Established guidelines, procedures, and education and training -particularly regarding AIDS transmission -- should be the cornerstone of the correctional response to AIDS. Correctional systems should implement antibody testing policies that reflect current public health standards and legal restraints. Testing may be adopted to pursue effective medical management goals and to pursue management issues related to prevalence of infection in the inmate population. Confirmatory testing should be done to ensure accuracy. Segregation of infected inmates is unnecessary unless justified for medical, security, or health threat reasons.