NCJ Number
126787
Date Published
1990
Length
95 pages
Annotation
Because of the growing proportion of inmates infected with HIV/AIDS, local correctional administrators and facility health care providers must be able to understand the nature and demography of HIV and its related illnesses, to identify legal issues and statutes and regulations applicable to management of inmates with AIDS and to formulate and implement policies regarding early detection, medical management, classification, education and training, and resource allocation.
Abstract
The New York State Commission of Correction conducted a literature review of medical findings and recommendations; surveyed the State and local correctional system; and analyzed all existing Federal and State laws, rules, and regulations regarding HIV/AIDS. An overview of HIV illness in the local correctional system discusses the nature of HIV illness, its prevalence, and health care delivery in New York jails and prisons. Policy options in the area of early detection and diagnosis that are examined in this policy manual include admission health screening, the HIV antibody test, current practices, informed consent, and recommended guidelines for testing. Components of medical management that are described include admission physical examination, diagnostic criteria for HIV infection and AIDS, and medical follow-up and treatment as well as legal issues involving treatment. The manual examines issues related to inmate classification including asymptomatic HIV carriers, debilitated and seriously ill inmates, safety and security, transmission hazards, and legal issues related to classification. Education and training and resource allocation are two other options involved in management of HIV illness in correctional institutions. The legal rights and protection of HIV/AIDS patients discussed in the manual are confidentiality, definition, disclosure, contact notification, penalties and immunities, and Commission access to HIV information. 5 figures, 18 notes, and 7 appendixes