4240 Guidelines for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

4241 Background

4241.1
The following policy and guidelines apply to all children currently enrolled in Xenos Christian Schools regardless of age or grade level.

4241.2
The policy and guidelines also apply to faculty and/or staff currently employed by Xenos Christian Schools and any of its ministries and shall also be considered when interviewing or evaluating any applicant for employment, whether a faculty member or other staff member; however, in no case shall an HIV infected individual be discriminated against for employment solely on the basis that he/she is an HIV infected individual.

4241.3
The procedures contained herein apply to students, perspective students, employees and/or perspective employees who are known to be infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the causative agent of AIDS. This will include all persons with AIDS as defined by the Commonwealth of Virginia State Health Department for reporting purposes; persons who have been diagnosed by their physician as having an illness due to infection with HIV but do not meet the above definition, that is, have an AIDS related complex (ARCS) syndrome; and persons who have been diagnosed (but are asymptomatic) by either an appropriate laboratory test procedure or through a licensed health care provider as having virologic or serologic evidence of infection with HIV.

4242 Confidentiality

4242.1
Since the diagnosis of the presence of HIV, AIDS, or an associated virus generates fear from others in contact with that person and/or the potential for social isolation and suspicion, all ministry personnel will be sensitive to the need for confidentiality and the right of privacy. All deliberations, whether administrative or by panel, will be kept confidential.

4242.2
The number of personnel who will be advised of any particular individual's condition will be kept to the minimum needed to assure proper care and/or to detect situations where the potential for transmission may increase.

4242.3
The school will not release or disclose publicly information regarding whether or not an individual is HIV positive or any information of AIDS about an individual without the written consent of the employee, perspective employee, and/or a student's or perspective student's parents or legal guardian.

4242.4
In all cases, information of any type regarding an HIV infected individual may not be released or disclosed without the prior approval of the Education Administrator.

4242.5
The school will comply with all applicable state law reporting statutes.

4243 Reviewing Panel

4243.1
A panel will be authorized by the school board to evaluate and review an HIV infected individual for suitability for admission or to remain in the classroom and/or to employ or continue employment.

4243.2
The Review Panel will be composed of competent and qualified personnel and may include a physician familiar with infectious communicable diseases, an educational expert not directly connected with the ministry, legal counsel, and other qualified personnel. The Review Panel will consult with the school administrator, the attending physician, and the parent or legal guardian in the case of a child in arriving at any conclusion.

4244 Admission or Employment

4244.1
Decisions regarding the type of employment, educational and/or general care provided for HIV infected individuals will be based on behavior, neurological development, physical condition, and the type of interaction with others expected in the particular relevant setting.

4244.2
The risk and benefit to both the HIV infected individual and others will be weighed in this process with the determination of the Review Panel based on whether or not the individual is otherwise qualified to remain in the classroom and whether or not he/she may present a health danger to themselves or an increased risk to others with whom they may have contact. Each case shall be considered on an individual basis.

4244.3
A student or employee known to be an HIV infected individual shall be admitted to school or shall continue employment subsequent to the unanimous approval of the Review Panel and Education Administrator. If no agreement is reached by the Review Panel, the matter shall be referred to the School Board.

4244.4
A plan for periodic review by the Review Panel will be established at the time of the initial decision regarding attendance or employment. The periodic review will consider hygienic practices as well as any changes in the physical, medical and/or neurological development of the HIV infected individual.

4244.5
For such periodic review, the parent, guardian or employee who has been permitted to attend class or continue employment is responsible for securing regular medical evaluations and /or records and providing these on request to the Review Panel so as to permit reliable reassessment. The failure to secure such regular medical evaluations or to provide these to the Review Panel will jeopardize continued enrollment or employment.

4244.6
A student or employee previously excluded, dismissed, or placed on a leave of absence may be admitted or readmitted, pursuant to re-evaluation under the procedures specified herein, if there is sufficient improvement to warrant admission or re-employment.

4244.7
The Review Panel will, in conjunction with the school administrator, assess the need and availability of other educational and/or employment alternatives if it is determined that the individual should be removed from the classroom. However, first consideration will be given to permitting the student and/or employee to continue in the normal educational or employment setting, subject to the guidelines specified herein.

4244.8
Either short term or extended exclusions may be necessary where, in the judgment of the school administration, more medical information is warranted, a serious or urgent situation arises, or there is a serious risk of infection to others or the HIV infected individual. In such circumstances, the interim decision will be reviewed by the Review Panel before final action is taken. Everything possible will be done to maintain confidentiality in such circumstances.

4245 Education

4245.1
Xenos Christian Schools will strive to provide timely and appropriate information to all staff, parents and students, where appropriate, regarding the nature of HIV and AIDS. This information will reflect Christian compassion and concern and will emphasize the Christian's responsibility for his/her own health and the health of others.

4245.2
It is believed that these efforts, in advance of any possible situation, are the best assurance that each occurrence, if at all, will be dealt with maturely, rationally and Scripturally.

4246.1
Since other infections, in addition to HIV, can be present in blood or body fluids, whether or not an HIV infected individual is present. Calumet Christian School has adopted a routine procedure for handling blood and/or body fluids.

4246.2
Routine procedures have also been established for cleaning soiled surfaces and equipment.

4247.3
The school has also adopted a policy for caring for any student who has an open wound or lesion or injures himself while at school, resulting in any open wound or lesion.

1. School Safety Rules
2. Hazards
3. Emergency Safety Procedures and Drills
4. First Aid and Emergencies
5. Supervision of Students
6. Severe Weather
7. Cumulative Health File
8. Control of Diseases
9. Illness During School Day
10. Guidelines for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome