Summary: The GAO Task Force on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in the Workplace presented its report on and recommendations for dealing with AIDS in the GAO workplace. The task force provided basic information about AIDS, including its: (1) definition and characteristics; (2) diagnosis; (3) transmission; and (4) incidence. The task force also provided GAO managers with guidelines to deal with issues concerning AIDS-infected employees and their co-workers, including: (1) maintenance of a safe and healthy work environment; (2) continued employment and job discrimination; (3) employees' rights to confidentiality about personal health conditions; and (4) efforts to accommodate an infected employee's ability to work. In addition, the task force presented an action plan detailing: (1) education and counseling; (2) managerial guidelines; (3) managerial focal points; (4) employee benefits; (5) public health considerations; and (6) the need for periodic review of policy implementation as understanding about AIDS increases.
