HIV-Infected Health Care Workers: New Legal Guide Available

The American Association of Physicians for Human Rights
(AAPHR) and the National Lawyers Guild AIDS Network have
published a 47-page booklet, The Legal Rights and Obligations
of HIV-Infected Health Care Workers, by Elise Gautier, J.D.,
M.A. This groundbreaking guide examines the many legal
ramifications of being HIV positive and a health care
provider.

Written in a question-and-answer format which makes legal
concepts understandable by non-lawyers, the publication
provides information on laws prohibiting employment
discrimination, state policies concerning HIV-infected health
care workers, standards of care, informed consent law,
employment issues, rights to privacy and confidentiality, and
insurance issues. In addition to health care providers and
attorneys, others may find this publication useful because it
provides a thorough review of many legal issues.
Specifically, information included about the American with
Disabilities Act, insurance and employment considerations,
and rights to privacy and confidentiality can be of value to
AIDS service organizations, persons with HIV, and their
advocates.

The guide summarizes and provides legal references concerning
the state of the law regarding the legal rights and
obligations of HIV-positive health care workers as of mid-
1993. It also discusses major issues not yet resolved by the
courts. "The purpose of the guide, however, is to provide
information; it does not provide legal advice. If you need
legal advice, consult an attorney."

Copies of The Legal Rights and Obligations of HIV-Infected
Health Care Workers are available from the American
Association of Physicians for Human Rights, 273 Church St.,
San Francisco, CA 94114, phone 415/255-4547, fax 415/255-
4659. The cost is $10.00 for the general public and $5.00 for
AAPHR members.