Miscellaneous
Communicable Disease Policy - 3G3
General Policy
Communicable diseases are diseases which are capable of being transmitted to other individuals in various ways. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has specified diseases which are contagious, infectious, communicable, and dangerous to the public health in Section 690.100 of the Rules and Regulations for the Control of Communicable Diseases. The purpose of this policy is to insure University compliance with those and other existing state and federal rules, regulations, and laws.
Policy Foundations
- University decisions will be guided by sound medical advice and practice together with current and well-informed medical information.
- University actions will recognize and consider the interests of individual members of the University community together with the interests of the University community at large and in accordance with existing laws and sound medical advice and practice.
Non-Discrimination
The University shall not unlawfully discriminate in enrollment or employment against any individual infected with a communicable disease.
Confidentiality
- The University shall comply with all pertinent statutes and regulations which protect the privacy and welfare of members of the University community who suffer from a communicable disease as well as the welfare of others within the University community.
- The University will maintain procedural safeguards throughout the University with the objective of protecting the privacy of persons living with a communicable disease.
- All confidential medical information about an individual will be handled in compliance with legal requirements and professional ethical standards.
- The University will not disclose the identity of any employee or student who has a communicable disease, except as authorized by law, when necessary for the administration of this policy, or pursuant to guidelines following the general standards included in the American College Health Association's Recommended Standards and Practices for a College Health Program, fourth edition:
In general, it is recommended that no specified or detailed information concerning complaints or diagnosis be provided to faculty, administrators, parents or relative, without the expressed written consent of the patient in each case.
University Responsibilities
- The University shall develop and maintain an educational program about communicable diseases.
- The University shall identify sources of competent and confidential testing for communicable diseases as well as counseling services upon request.
- The University shall identify sources of qualified medical care and encourage those with communicable diseases to utilize such sources.
- University units shall adopt and implement appropriate safety guidelines consistent with those proposed by the Centers for Disease Control and the Illinois Department of Public Health for handling and disposing of potentially infectious materials.
- Decisions in all situations involving students or employees with health problems are to be made on a case by case basis, based on the medical facts in each case and with concern for the confidentiality and best interest of all parties involved.
- This policy is subject to applicable University personnel policies, collective bargaining agreements, and Civil Service regulations. The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs will administer this policy.
Approved by Chancellor effective 7/3/90
This policy was issued on February 1, 1996, replacing the December 10, 1990 version.
Document Reference: 3G3
Origin: WC 2-89/90; OP 11/5/90
