JLCCA:  AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME) RESOLUTION

Whereas, there is a great deal of concern in the community about the history, symptoms, and transmissibility of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS Related Complex (ARC); and

Whereas, misinformation or lack of knowledge regarding the scope of the disease could result in improper decisions about children's attendance at school; and

Whereas, a comprehensive policy on AIDS and ARC has been developed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, which has been adopted by the Massachusetts Department of Education as policy; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Massachusetts Medical Society strongly recommends at this time that school systems in the Commonwealth appropriately implement an official policy governing school attendance by children and teachers with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS Related Complex (ARC) using the guidelines currently developed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

SOURCE: MASC

Adopted on:     April 10, 2008