HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7440 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7440
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council February 20, 1990
Subject: CITY COMPLIANCE WITH STATE "HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY
VIRUS SERVICES ACT"
Background
On June 16, 1989, the State Legislature approved Senate Bill No. 959 entitled, "The Human
Immunodeficiency Virus Services Act". This bill became law on September 1, 1989, and
it requires state agencies and state contractors, including the City of Fort Worth to adopt
workplace guidelines and confidentiality guidelines on HIV/AIDS in the workplace. The
Department of Health currently receives $1,140,960 from the Texas Department of Health.
Failure to comply with certain provisions of this act would render the City of Fort Worth
ineligible to receive state funds. Such policies must be adopted by March 1, 1990.
Mandated Provisions
By March 1, 1990, the City must have adopted policies which address the following:
1. Workplace Guidelines for all Employees of the City
2. Workplace Guidelines for Providers of Direct Care, Services and Programs
(Health, Fire, Police)
00- 3. Confidentiality Guidelines on HIV/AIDS-related Medical Information for Employees
4. A plan for provision of Education on HIV/AIDS to all City Employees
5. HIV/AIDS Education for Employees and Clients of Health Care Facilities
The Workplace Guidelines primarily are aimed at educating City employees about HIV/AIDS.
At this time, the only required action is the adoption of a policy which ensures that
HIV-infected individuals are protected from discriminatory actions by the City of Fort Worth
and its employees; and, the adoption of a plan to educate City employees on HIV/AIDS.
The Direct Care Guidelines impact the Department of Health and is primarily aimed at
employee and client education on HIV/AIDS. The Health Department's staff currently meets
the requirements of the law. A formal document has been prepared to document the Health
Department's compliance.
The Confidentiality Guidelines is merely a policy statement which ensures that all HIV/AIDS
related employee information is handled in strict confidence.
The education of City employees and clients of the City's Department of Health does not
need to be accomplished immediately. At this time, a plan of action to educate the workforce
and Health Department clients is all that is required. An educational pamphlet utilizing
existing AIDS educational materials will be distributed to all employees with a pay check
and sign in sheet. Additionally, training classes will be offered.
Once the Texas Board of Health finalizes its Model HIV/AIDS Workplace Guidelines for Police
00P' and Fire departments, guidelines will need to be adopted for both departments. These
guidelines are expected to be available in the near future.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No, 7440
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
February 20, 1990
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a Subject: CITY COMPLIANCE WITH STATE "HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY
,S11 VIRUS SERVICES ACT"
City Health Director Nick Curry and Personnel Director Charlie Shapard will be available
to answer any questions at the next Pre-Council Session on Tuesday, February 20, 1990.
An M be C covering all mandated aspects of the HIV/AIDS in the Workplace Program will
be on the City Council Agenda for action on February 27, 1990.
M
David Ivory
City Manager
LISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS