Maybe because the department doesn't want to assume any additional risk? Imagine what would happen if you were on the scene of an MVC, got cut on a piece of sharp metal and a patient ended up infected. Even if you had NOTHING to do with it, it would be a HUGE liability for the department.
Maybe because the department doesn't want to assume any additional risk? Imagine what would happen if you were on the scene of an MVC, got cut on a piece of sharp metal and a patient ended up infected. Even if you had NOTHING to do with it, it would be a HUGE liability for the department.
Right. But if we start going down the roads of what ifs, what if the provider is a carrier of MRSA and infects the patient? Or the provider comes to work with a cold? That would be a much more common occurrence, passing on the flu to your pt. than HIV.
Also, the transmission rates for HIV is somewhere around 0.3% (from body fluid exposure, as in getting it into eyes/ears/nose/mouth/open cut) whereas the transmission for HepC is somewhere around 50% (this is also taking into account needle sticks, which is a far more likely way to get infected). Anyways, is HepC also a DQ?
How does having a bloodborne pathology only transmittable by exchanging bodily fluids impair your ability as a provider to do your job or endanger your patients? Are you going to be sharing needles with them? Are you injured and bleeding from open wounds or are they?
Seriously though. You should be allowed to. My position has changed, and you should not be discriminated against. So long as you are capable of doing the job at the time of hire and into the foreseeable future.
I still say, why would you want to expose yourself? Then who is liable if you pick up a bug and become super ill... Is that a workers comp case? Does the employer bear the burden for your medical bills, lost time, FMLA days, the cost of having another employee to "replace" you when you're inevitably absent?
Where is @looker on this one? Mr. Cost effective business owner. It's an ADA violation to not hire them.
Do you tell your colleagues? Your patients? Does your skin get dry and crack?
Well magic mike is a bit different along with having sex with someone then wanting to help someone who needs it. Im on meds and have been and am currently undetectable. Further more if it was about sex someone would have a less chance of contracting hiv from me vs having sex with a complete stranger. I know my disease and i already am vigilant in making sure i protect people around me.
Thank you everyone for the comments and the information. I will continue to research this. Be great today!
I admit this is all a bit surprising. I didn't realize there was still this level of stigma attached. (No offense meant to anyone, I know it's not a character flaw; it's a matter of awareness and understanding is all.)
