MODEL GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL ATTENDANCE FOR CHILDREN WITH HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS

The                                                 Public School Division will work cooperatively with the                                                         Health Department to ensure compliance with Virginia Code 22.1-271.3 for school attendance of children infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). 

A.            Students are expected to be in compliance with an immunization schedule (Article 2, 22.1-271.2); however, some required immunizations may be harmful to the health of the student who is HIV infected or has AIDS.  Students who are HIV infected or have AIDS may get an exemption from complying with the requirements (Virginia Code 22.1-27.2, C).  School personnel will cooperate with public health personnel in completing and coordinating immunization data, exemptions, and exclusions, including immunization forms.

B.            Mandatory screening for HIV infection is not warranted as a condition for school entry.  Upon learning a student is HIV infected or has AIDS, the superintendent will consult with the individual's family and physician or a health official from the local department to determine whether the student is well enough to stay in school.  Since it is known that HIV is not transmitted through casual contact, any student who is HIV infected will continue education in a regular classroom assignment unless the health status interferes significantly with performance.  If a change in the student's program is necessary, the superintendent or designee, family, and physician or health official will develop an individual plan, which is medically, legally, and educationally sound.  If the HIV student is receiving special education services, the services will be in agreement with established policies.

C.            Parents/guardians may appeal decisions for restriction or exclusion as determined by the school division's established procedures.

D.         All persons privileged with any medical information about HIV infected students shall be required to treat all proceedings, discussions, and documents as confidential information.  Individuals will be informed of the situation on a "Need to Know" basis with written consent of the parent/guardian.

E.            Universal precautions for handling blood will be implemented within the school setting and on buses.  To ensure implementation of the proper standard operating procedures for all body fluids, the guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health will be followed.  Inservice training will be provided to all school personnel.  Training will include local division policies; etiology, transmission, prevention, and risk reduction of HIV; standard operating procedures for handling blood and body fluids; and community resources available for information and referral.  Periodic updates will be supplied through inservice or memoranda.