Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. AIDS In the early eighties, a new and deadly viral disease emerged in our world. Known as the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), this fluid-borne disease is caused by a virus known as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Today, because of the newness of the disease (and therefore the limitedness of our knowledge of it), the fact that it is deadly, the fact that there is at present no known cure or effective vaccine, and the public myths and stigma surrounding the disease, it becomes more important that ever before, for Health care workers such as yourselves to be familiar with the basic facts on and prevention of AIDS. We strongly recommend that you read these facts of AIDS as well as pay attention to the attached C.D.C. (Center for Disease Control) handouts on universal precautions for the prevention of transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B Virus, and other blood-borne pathogens in Health Care settings. This is because, as a Home Health Care giver, you may on occasion be required to take care of an AIDS patient; therefore, you should think safety at all times. 1. Avoid contact with patient's body fluids. 2. Wear gloves whenever indicated. 3. Dispose of bloody needles in Medex containers in the AIDS patient's home. We will provide these containers for each AIDS patient. **** AIDS IS NOT! **** 1. A WHITE DISEASE 2. A GAY DISEASE 3. A MALE DISEASE **** AIDS IS! **** 1. FOUND IN WOMEN 2. FOUND IN CHILDREN 3. FOUND IN STRAIGHT PEOPLE ****** WOMEN ****** If a woman is infected with the AIDS virus she can pass it to her unborn child. Think carefully if you plan on having a baby. It is possible that the AIDS virus may also be transmitted through breast milk. ******* AIDS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY DISEASE ******* WHAT IS AIDS??? Home Health Agency Nursing Care & Procedures K-101