HD31 - Screening Prisoners for AIDS

  • Published: 1987
  • Author: Department of Corrections
  • Enabling Authority: House Joint Resolution 125 (Regular Session, 1986)

Executive Summary:
AIDS is a fatal disease syndrome caused by the HTLV-III virus. AIDS has become a major issue for public officials in many areas of government. Because of uncertainty, fear, and misinformation about the disease, public administrators of schools, hospitals and correctional systems must develop effective and equitable policies reflecting current medical information and address the unique responsibilities and circumstances of their respective professions. Within a correctional setting the challenge of AIDS is a formidable one since a substantial percentage of inmates fall within identified high risk groups.

The reported number of AIDS cases in the state of Virginia (N=254) is just over 1% of the national total of 21,302. The Virginia Department of Corrections' inmate population contains an average number of AIDS cases (N=3) based upon a statistical comparison of other states. New York and New Jersey have the highest percentage of AIDS victims in their prisons. Both states have large numbers of heroin addicts, who transmit the disease through intravenous drug abuse prior to incarceration. (See Appendix 2)

Screening for AIDS can be done by a commercial HTLV-III antibody test. The Department's research indicates that screening of individuals through use of this test is unreliable without repeated and back-up testing. Mass screening has been found to be very costly and in addition, there are legal and ethical concerns. The Department's policy is to continue extensive education of staff and inmates, segregate and treat all symptomatic AIDS cases, and medically follow suspected cases in the population. This policy is consistent with that implemented by other states, recommendations by the Virginia Department of Health, and the National Institute of Justice.

The Virginia Department of Corrections, through its Office of Health Services, has developed agency procedures and promoted agency education regarding the prevention and management of AIDS. (See Appendix 3)