When addressing the complex issues raised by disclosure and confidentiality of HIV status, it is hard to ignore the need

to focus on human rights and privacy, including many issues related to law and respect for the rights of individuals. Confidentiality is crucial to persons living with HIV or AIDS. Since HIV infection is associated with sexual and drug related activities, disclosure can expose HIV-positive individuals to stigmatization, discrimination, and rejection by family, friends, and community.

A.

B
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Jose a 32 years old who had been diagnosed with AIDS Jose is homosexual with few partners and hed been sexually active for the past four years. After the diagnosis Jose is the Eldest son; he has been his mother primary source of economic and emotional support since his fathers death. David his 27 year old brother had provided him with transportation and companionship since he has been ill. Jose told Mary not to tell his family his illness. Family shows lack of interest about Joss medical condition Mary provided the family with the information they needed to avoid exposure to infecting agents and she made sure that the family follows the infection control measure. Jose told his brother about his condition, lifestyle and his impending death. After Joss death David confronted Nurse Mary that he was disappointed and told her that they had the right to know about Joses condition so that they can protect themselves from acquiring infection

c.1

The patient have the decision, he has the constitutional right to privacy and do not have to
disclose their status to their families. Because HIV/AIDS is not a notifiable disease, there is no law requiring a health care worker to notify an HIV-positive person's family.

People with HIV/AIDS are entitled to maintain personal autonomy (i.e. the right to make their own decisions) although counseling about the consequences of their decisions should be provided. Patient autonomy implies the following:
o o o

The patient is responsible for his choices and decisions His human dignity upheld and recognized. His personal value and worth are affirmed.

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His patients rights are protected and are not unduly interfered with. He cannot be constrained or forced to make decisions and perform against his will.

c.2 Health care professionals are ethically and legally required to keep all information about clients or patients confidential.
the nurse must respect the patient/familys autonomy. the nurse works with them to obtain their goals. The nurse explains, defines, and clarifies care options, assessing and ensuring full understanding by the patient and family. do not tell them what to do or make decisions for them.
A physician places the patients safety and wellbeing above all other cons iderations, keeps the patient informed about her/his condition and treatment, and advocates for the patients best interests resolving any conflicts of interest in favor of the patient -

Commitment to patient confidentiality.it requires that appropriate confidentiality safeguards be

applied to disclosure of patient information. This commitment extends to discussions with persons acting on a patients behalf when obtaining the patients own consent is not feasible.

http://www.journaids.org http://www.aidscalgary.org http://www.paclii.org/

D. Since the Nurse knew Joss medical diagnosis and is aware that the family shows lack of interest but is still visiting Jos, she should ensure the safety of the significant others. Actually, she did her duty as a Nurse, she provided the family with information they needed for them to protect themselves and avoid exposure to infecting agents. She also did her job to respect the clients decision not to tell the family about his condition. She respected the clients right to confidentiality and right to autonomy.