Medical, ethical, and legal issues associated with HIV

The HIV epidemic poses a challenge to health care professionals not only with regard to treatment, but also in terms of legal and ethical issues. Some federal and/or state laws already exist that prevent employers from discriminating against persons with any stage of HIV infection, protect workers who protest dangerous conditions in the workplace, and provide compensation to the employee for an injury sustained on the job or for contracting an occupational disease. Many states have enacted statutes on AIDS that include confidentiality provision. Laws pertaining to malpractice, transfusion, consent, and restriction of employee duties are discussed, and case studies illustrating some of the legal and ethical issues of HIV infection are reviewed. Because many of these issues are unresolved, it is important for health professionals to be aware of current professional standards and guidelines, as well as to consult with the hospital's attorney or risk manager when confronted with a legal or ethical dilemma.