Inmates, HIV and the Constitutional Right to Privacy: AIDS in Prison Facilities

• NCJ Number: 150991
• Journal: Corrections Compendium Volume: 19 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1994) Pages: 1-3
• Author(s): D Bryan
• Date Published: 1994
• Length: 3 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

AIDS in correctional facilities is discussed with respect to legal and constitutional issues, corrections policies, and AIDS prevention programs.

Abstract

Some facilities have undertaken extreme measures to prevent HIV transmission, but the courts have ruled that most of these measures are unconstitutional. No occupationally acquired cases of HIV infection or AIDS have been documented in correctional personnel, police, or professionals outside of the health care profession, although allegations and lawsuits have occurred. Four crucial facts must be proved in such a case. Many corrections agencies have incorporated the use of universal precautions into their policies. However, AIDS/HIV education is equally important in the protection of correctional staff and inmates from HIV infection. Most correctional systems provide some instructor-led HIV education for their staff. Education and reeducation should continue; the level and frequency should be based on job assignments and the degree of contact with inmates.