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July 2, 1987

POLICY ON ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS)

 AIDS, because of its recent identification, is yet to be fully understood as a public health threat. Although the incidence of AIDS (or AIDS related complex and other conditions due to infection by the HTLV-III virus) is low, its long period of incubation, lack of effective treatment and, to date, 100% mortality, makes it a source of serious public concern. Information related to the AIDS virus, including treatment, has expanded in recent years and is likely to do so in the future as a result of expanding research efforts worldwide.

POLICY

Michigan State University’s policy on dealing with AIDS in the University community is as follows:

  1. The University is committed to protect both the rights, of individuals and the health and safety of the community in the event of situations involving AIDS, AIDS related complex or HTLV-III sero positivity. Actions, including the release of information in such cases, will be guided by federal and state laws and regulations.

  2. Any University response to AIDS will take cognizance of recommendations issued by the U.S. Public Health Service’s Center for Disease Control, the Michigan Department of Health, the American College Health Association and other similar competent agencies. As information and recommendations are modified or expanded, the University will review and, as appropriate, modify its actions.

  3. The principal philosophy which guides the University’s response to AIDS issues is that each situation or concern must be addressed individually, on a case-by-case basis, as determined by the health and safety facts involved.

  4. The University fosters education, awareness, prevention, and compassion for individuals affected by AIDS or the AIDS related complex.

  5. Except as required by applicable public laws or regulations, no change in University policies or regulations regarding classroom attendance, residence hail housing status, employment or access to services will be made without review by the Executive Health and Safety Committee. The Executive Health and Safety Committee is constituted and operates according to recommendations contained in the June 10, 1986 report to the president entitled "Final Report of the Employee Health Care Study Committee.1

IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICY

The University shall establish a committee for the purpose of implementing this policy. This Committee shall be comprised of the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, Assistant Vice President for Research arid Graduate Studies, Assistant Vice President for Personnel and Employee Relations, Assistant Vice President for Housing and Food Services, Assistant Vice President for Information Services, Assistant Provost for Academic Personnel Administration, University Physician, the University Attorney, and a physician on the Medical Staff of the University who will be appointed by the University Physician to serve as the Case Manager. The Case Manager will have the clinical responsibility for all cases of AIDS and AIDS-related complex being treated at the University Health Service. The University Physician shall chair the committee. This committee shall be charged to make recommendations to the appropriate Vice Presidents in regard to the following:

  1. Issues occasioned by the presence of AIDS, AIDS related complex, or HTLV-III sero positivity in any student or faculty or staff member.

  2. The collection and dissemination of up-to-date accurate information about AIDS to faculty, staff and students on a continuing basis.

  3. With reference to 1. and 2., the committee, with appropriate staff support arranged by the Office of the University Physician, will continuously receive and study updated information regarding research findings and policy implications of AIDS and ARC.

The University’s commitment to prevention, education, and awareness is its highest priority. It is important to provide information about AIDS to students, faculty, and staff on a continuing basis and in an array of media and contexts. The dissemination of such information importantly expands community knowledge as well as encouraging prevention. In continuous consultation with the committee, the Health Education branch of the University Health Service shall have the primary responsibility for the development, coordination, and implementation of educational informational programs. Each student and employee is to be apprised of the existence of information about AIDS or ARC available from University sources.

Pursuant to this policy, staff designated by the University Physician to review and report on research and the public policy issues relating to AIDS shall report to the committee on a quarterly basis. Similarly, the Health Education Coordinator shall report quarterly regarding educational information programs.

Concerns, general or specific, about AIDS or ARC should be referred to the University Physician (Dennis M. Jurczak, Director, Olin Health Center, 355-2488), who will address such concerns in accordance with this policy.

(1) Further information about the Employee Health Care Study Committee and/or a copy of the committee’s report may be obtained from the Office of the Vice President for Health Services and Facilities. (return)