Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 44, November 2, 2024
Section 7.431 - Overall HIV/AIDS and related disease workplace policy(a) This administration's policy is to provide a nondiscriminatory environment that positively addresses the needs of persons with HIV/AIDS, takes steps to reduce the spread of HIV and ensures a safe working environment for staff who work with persons with HIV/AIDS.(b) Persons with HIV or AIDS are to be treated with respect and dignity and not to be denied any government service due to them. State agencies, consistent with the services they provide, are to take steps to address HIV/AIDS within the workplace or work environment, including educating employees about the disease and working with clients on behavior changes that reduce the chance of transmission of HIV and related diseases. State employees and persons served by the Commonwealth are not to be discriminated against on the basis of their actual or perceived HIV or AIDS status. This prohibition is reaffirmed by the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.A. § § 12101-12213) and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (43 P.S. § § 951-963). The confidentiality of persons with HIV/AIDS will be protected by State agencies.(c) Commonwealth agencies will take steps to minimize the chance of on-the-job exposure to HIV through procedures known as universal or standard precautions. These steps also will reduce the chance of transmission of other diseases which are spread through blood or body fluids, such as Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.