1. AIDS Considered deadliest epidemic in Human History
1981 1st case appeared in literature
More than 21 million have died from AIDS

2. AIDS
A syndrome: specific, life-threatening, opportunistic infections resulting from immune deficiency
Caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Destroys the bodies ability to ward of bacteria

3. HIV

6. Blood Transfusion
Many law suits persons claiming they contracted AIDS through transfusion
Common standards of Question:
Blood testing, donor screening
For a case must show that conduct fell below the standard

7. Transfusion Lawsuits Transfusion of mismatched blood
Improper screening and transfusion of contaminated blood
Unnecessary administration of blood
Improper handling procedures

8. Reducing the Risk
Donated units tested for HIV antibodies since May 1985
If positive blood is removed from transfusion pool

9. AIDS and Health Care Workers
Infected Physicians should not engage in activity that creates a risk of transmission

10. Estate of Behringer V. Medical Center at Princeton
Hospital restricted surgical privileges of an AIDS infected surgeon
NJ Superior Court held that the hospital acted properly
Imposed an informed consent requirement
Patient be informed of the risk

11. Guidelines CDC Guidelines
“exposure-prone” procedures undergo voluntary testing
Recommend that patients be informed
Mandatory testing violates 4th amendment rights (unreasonable searches and seizures)

12. AIDS and Health Care Workers
The dilemma is how to balance these rights against the rights of the public in general to be protected from a deadly disease

13. Right to Privacy
Estate of Behringer v. Medical Center at Princeton: Physicians privacy was compromised
Tarrant County Hospital District b. Hughes: Donors identity was disclosed
Doe v. University of Cincinnati: protected Donor identity
CDC required reporting

14. AIDS: The Right to Treatment
Patients with HIV infection should receive the same compassionate and competent care given to other patients

15. Case: HIV Autonomy & Confidentiality
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