there is increased danger if infected blood enters the body via a scratch or open wound. Nail clippers, acrylic nail drills, cuticle scissors, callus paring blades, and reusable razors and blades all have the potential to transmit infectious diseases if they are not properly sterilized. Following proper sanitation rules and standard precautions will greatly decrease the potential of HIV transmission and protect both professionals and clients from transmitting the disease. with any client, standard precautions must be taken to avoid contact with bodily fluids. The following table provides standard precautions that should be taken when providing cosmetic services:
Seasoned cosmetologists know that the presence of blood during various cosmetic procedures is not that usual. For example, it is not unheard of to draw blood during a manicure or pedicure, close shave, or facial procedure. When/if this happens, if the blood is infected with the HIV virus and comes in contact with a cut or an open wound, there is potential to transmit the virus. It is important to note that while risk of exposure due to direct splashes with body fluids is minimal, Prevention and standard precautions To prevent transmission of HIV in the workplace, cosmetologists and other health and human service providers must assume that blood and other body fluids from all patients are potentially infectious . To stay safe, when working
Standard Precautions for Preventing HIV Transmission If there is a possibility of contact with blood or other bodily fluids that could potentially contain visible blood (such as urine, feces, or vomit), always wear gloves and/or other protective equipment. Cover cuts, sores, or breaks in the skin with bandages (for both clients and cosmetologist). Anytime contact is made with blood or other bodily fluids, immediately wash hands and/or other body parts that have been in contact. Carefully handle all sharp instruments and tools, taking caution during use and disposal. Sanitize or dispose of any tools/materials that may have come into contact with blood or other bodily fluids, and properly clean and sanitize the surrounding workstation. Avoid any practices that can increase the probability of contact with blood or bodily fluids (e.g., sharing razors, toothbrushes, or any
equipment that could come in contact with the virus). Research indicates that the use of standard precautions by healthcare and human service providers when dealing with HIV/AIDS positive clients is inconsistent. This impacts both stigmatization and the reporting of discriminatory practices. Therefore, it is important that standard precautions are employed universally with every client, not just those that have disclosed HIV positive status. For everyone’s safety and health, human service providers must keep up to date on current research and findings surrounding transmission and stay knowledgeable regarding misconceptions around transmission It is unlawful to prohibit a person living with HIV/AIDS from participating in services offered to others, and it is illegal to deny them a benefit because of their HIV status . Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPA) protect those living with HIV/ AIDS and their friends and family from this type of discrimination. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ensures that every person is given equal opportunity to participate in and receive benefits from any program or activity that receives federal funding, and every person in the United States is afforded equal opportunity in employment under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), despite disabilities (including positive HIV status). The ADA maintains that people with HIV, whether or not it is symptomatic, are physically impaired to the point that it substantially limits the life activities, and are therefore covered under the Act. In this, the ADA protects against discrimination against HIV-positive persons and specifically those who are denied an occupational license or admission to a school on the basis of their HIV status. Title II of the ADA prohibits both state licensing agencies and occupational training schools (including cosmetology schools) from discriminating against individuals with HIV or AIDS. A licensing entity, trade school, or training program cannot exclude a person with HIV/AIDS because of their status.
and assumptions about patient lifestyle and risk. It is also helpful to have a plan in place for post exposure management should direct contact with known HIV infected blood takes place. The impact of HIV/AIDS on the workplace continues to grow as the population of those most affected by the disease (those aged 20-44) make up over 50% of the 143 million people employed in the United States. It is important that while taking precautions against the spreading and/or contraction of HIV/ AIDS, licensed professionals in no way infringe upon a person’s (be it a client, co-worker, or self) civil rights.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: PROTECTIONS
A person infected with HIV may be excluded, however, from activities or services of a private or public entity only if there is a health concern in which they pose a significant risk to the health or safety of others or a “direct threat” that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by reasonable modification. Evidence of the direct threat must be based on an individualized assessment of the person with the disability and based on current medical evidence. However, transmission of HIV will rarely raise a legitimate direct threat issue as HIV cannot be transmitted by casual contact. Therefore, circumstances do not exist for the transmission of HIV in a school or workplace setting, including those involving cosmetology. If a licensing entity or trade school requires an applicant to provide a doctor’s certification that he or she is free of infectious, communicable, or contagious disease, this must exclude diseases, such as HIV, not transmitted through casual contact or usual practice of the occupation for which a license is required. Furthermore, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) mandates privacy and confidentiality restrictions to further protect those living with the disease. This Act maintains the confidentiality of health information and provides a person the right to not only review but make corrections to personal medical records.
Book Code: EFL1024
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EliteLearning.com/Cosmetology
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