Policy Regarding Communicable Diseases

Concern for the health and welfare of students and employees prompted the Board of Trustees and the administration of Delaware Technical Community College to establish a policy with regard to communicable diseases. Such diseases vary in their ease of transmission to others. AIDS and milder immune deficiency syndromes associated with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are transmitted through intimate sexual conduct or blood contact. Students or employees with AIDS or HIV should not present a health risk to others in the College community when proper precautions are taken. Other communicable diseases, such as hepatitis B, are more infectious and may pose a more immediate health risk.

In light of this concern, the Board of Trustees of Delaware Technical Community College adopts the following policy:

1. Students and employees with communicable diseases should inform the College administration (Vice President and Campus Director's Office for the Campuses, President's Office for Office of the President). This information shall be handled in strict confidence. Those students or employees with positive test results for AIDS or HIV are not required to so inform the College administration.
2. Continued presence in the College setting by students or employees with communicable diseases shall be determined by the Vice President and Campus Director (President for Office of the resident) on a case-by-case basis. Such decisions shall be based on medical opinion regarding the condition of the student or employee with the communicable disease. Recommendations may be sought from the physician treating the student or employee, from the State Division of Public Health, or from an ad hoc advisory panel of physicians and/or health-care professionals convened for this purpose, as well as from other medical professionals. The College may require the student or employee to submit to periodic review of the individual's medical status as a condition of continued attendance or employment.
3. If necessary, an official withdrawal for medical reasons may be provided to students with communicable diseases, AIDS, or HIV.
4. Students and employees shall be encouraged to utilize educational programs, such as publications or classes regarding communicable diseases, AIDS, and HIV. The Vice President and Campus Director (President for Office of the President) shall appoint an individual or a committee to carry out this responsibility.
5. Routine and standard procedures shall be established for the handling of blood and other body fluids by the safety coordinator and implemented by the campuses and the Office of the President. Additional safety procedures shall be established and implemented by a committee comprised of the Department Chairpersons of each health-related program where students and staff handle blood and body fluids.