Stop Broadcasting Students' HIV Statuses
- by: Care2.com
- recipient: Illinois General Assembly
A disturbing law from the 1980s requires that health departments in Illinois disclose patients' HIV-positive statuses to principals and employers. Afterward, the supervisor receives full protection under the law to notify both nurses and teachers of the specific student's identity.
That's why Illinois legislators proposed a new, combative piece of legislation, House Bill 61, that is already gaining steam after passing through the House of Representatives last week.
HB61 would protect the medical privacy of all students, effectively ending an outdated and offensive violation of rights while carrying no real medical ramifications.
There is absolutely no reason for superintendents and teachers to be made aware of such sensitive information. It's not only been embarrassing for the students, who are given no decision in the matter; should their information be further disclosed, it could also be harmful to their academic or social experiences in the future.
Write to the Senate and support the protection of medical privacy for our students.
Dear Senate,
I am writing to support House Bill 61, on both principle of privacy and the current law's insensitive implementation.
The greatest thing about HB61 is that it poses no threat of medical ramifications. It can only serve to bolster individual privacy rights and our system's integrity. There is absolutely no reason for superintendents to be made aware of student's HIV status. It's been embarrassing for the students, who are given no decision in the matter, and equally embarrassing for the archaic system the law continues to be enforced by.
[Your Comments Here]
I support the privacy of medical information for all students.
Thank you,
[Your Name Here]
