NCJ Number
107593
Date Published
1986
Length
71 pages
Annotation
This guide identifies key legal issues and answers practical questions to help managers lawfully respond to AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) issues in the workplace.
Abstract
The opening chapter outlines the basic medical facts about AIDS, followed by chapters which examine whether AIDS should legally be considered a physical handicap, identify State tort claims which may be the basis of a lawsuit by an application or employee with AIDS, and summarize the statutory claims available to an employee or applicant with AIDS. Practical strategies are presented for companies and their managers in responding to AIDS issues. These include making a strong company commitment, developing a statement of philosophy and policy, educating the work force, planning for crisis intervention, maintaining confidentiality of medical records, enlisting union support, and keeping current on medical knowledge and legal issues pertaining to AIDS. Using questions and answers, AIDS workplace concerns are identified, and employment practices are suggested for avoiding legal liability. The appendix provides a sample AIDS policy, the latest guidelines of the Center for Disease Control, relevant laws, and a key agency decision defining AIDS as a physical handicap.