COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND BLOOD BORNE PATHOGENS

It is the intent of the District to maintain high quality standards of infectious disease and blood borne pathogens control that protect the health and safety of the college community while not unduly restricting the employment and educational pursuits of its employees and students. Therefore, the District will adhere to the following:

1. It is considered a major responsibility of the District to keep its employees updated on current developments and practices concerning infectious diseases. It will be the primary responsibility of the President, or designee, to ensure this policy is properly administered. The focus of this policy is to provide employees with primary education, prevention, and a process for understanding the dangers of communicable diseases and blood borne pathogens which includes Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.

2. The District will not require mandatory screening (other than that required for employees, such as tuberculin testing) as a condition of employment. However, the District will encourage regular testing for groups which the District has determined would be potentially exposed to these hazards posed by communicable diseases and blood borne pathogens.

3. The District will abide by the communicable disease and blood borne pathogens policies of all outside institutions where our staff participate in affiliations.

4. The District will treat all employees equally, regardless of whether they have tested positive for any of the blood borne pathogens. The District will not deny a person who has been infected any benefits for which he/she is eligible.

Individuals who are infected will not be denied employment so long as they are able to perform in accordance with the respective standards of their employment.

5. In accordance with existing District procedures and requirements, an employee's medical record is confidential information, and as such may not be released without the individual's written permission except as otherwise provided by law.

6. The District will take necessary steps to help ensure the safety of individuals participating in laboratory experiences or other college areas handling blood, blood products, body fluids, hypodermic needles, or where a potential occupational exposure may exist.

7. The President, or designee, shall establish, through the Safety Committee, a sub-committee on Health Services comprised of the Vice President of Student Services, Director of Human Resources, and school Nurse to make decisions on a case-by-case analysis (in consultation with the Public Health Department) of any question that arises regarding an employee who may be considered a possible danger to the health and safety of the college community.

8. The President, or designee, shall help develop an exposure control plan for communicable diseases and blood borne pathogens to help ensure the safety and health of all employees and students. The plan shall be in compliance with State and Federal regulations pertaining to communicable diseases and blood borne pathogens.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees: June 6, 1988
Amended: January 11, 1993