The law and the workplace

Body Posit. 1999 Jan;12(1):19-22.

Abstract

AIDS: As people with HIV live longer and healthier lives, more of them are returning to the workforce, and it is important that they know their rights and responsibilities under the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and under State regulations. Disclosing HIV status to an employer can raise a number of issues; however, unless the HIV status affects job performance, the person is not under any legal obligation to disclose such medical information. If a person does disclose their HIV status, the law does not require employers to respond with empathy or compassion, but it does mandate fair and equitable treatment and reasonable job accommodations. Two examples of people who are HIV-positive and in the workforce are presented. The issues involved in each situation are discussed.

Publication types

  • Newspaper Article

MeSH terms

  • Confidentiality / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Disabled Persons / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Employment / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Female
  • HIV Seropositivity*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • New York
  • Prejudice*
  • Truth Disclosure
  • United States