AIDS Considered deadliest epidemic in Human History 1981 1st case appeared in literature More than 21 million have died from AIDS

AIDS A syndrome: specific, life-threatening, opportunistic infections resulting from immune deficiency Caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Destroys the bodies ability to ward of bacteria

HIV

Blood Transfusion Many law suits persons claiming they contracted AIDS through transfusion Common standards of Question: Blood testing, donor screening For a case must show that conduct fell below the standard

Transfusion Lawsuits Transfusion of mismatched blood Improper screening and transfusion of contaminated blood Unnecessary administration of blood Improper handling procedures

Reducing the Risk Donated units tested for HIV antibodies since May 1985 If positive blood is removed from transfusion pool

AIDS and Health Care Workers Infected Physicians should not engage in activity that creates a risk of transmission

Estate of Behringer V. Medical Center at Princeton Hospital restricted surgical privileges of an AIDS infected surgeon NJ Superior Court held that the hospital acted properly Imposed an informed consent requirement Patient be informed of the risk

Guidelines CDC Guidelines “exposure-prone” procedures undergo voluntary testing Recommend that patients be informed Mandatory testing violates 4th amendment rights (unreasonable searches and seizures)

AIDS and Health Care Workers The dilemma is how to balance these rights against the rights of the public in general to be protected from a deadly disease

Right to Privacy Estate of Behringer v. Medical Center at Princeton: Physicians privacy was compromised Tarrant County Hospital District b. Hughes: Donors identity was disclosed Doe v. University of Cincinnati: protected Donor identity CDC required reporting

AIDS: The Right to Treatment Patients with HIV infection should receive the same compassionate and competent care given to other patients

Case: HIV Autonomy & Confidentiality P 72