(Arkansas) DHS Will Give HIV Test Results To School District, Angering Advocates

[Rstrstx]

Source: Little Rock Public Radio

The Department of Human Services will continue with plans to send HIV test results of three students to the Pea Ridge School District, despite protests from the Disability Rights Center of Arkansas. The Center plans to file a lawsuit against DHS for what they say is a violation of federal law and the privacy of the three students.



Read more: http://ualrpublicradio.org/post/dhs-will-give-hiv-test-results-school-district-angering-advocates

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In case you don't know the story (and I didn't until I heard it on BBC radio - apparently it's not important enough for US stations), the case revolves around three children who were suspended from a school in Arkansas after the school found out that one of their siblings and their mother had HIV. A general overview of the case can be found here:

http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/were-arkansas-kids-banned-from-school-forced-to-disclose-their-hiv-status/discrimination/2013/09/18/75323

The BBC report I heard mentioned that the children had to be strapped down and had the test performed on them forcefully. The kids in question were foster children so I don't see why the mother's status would be relevant. Apparently the children have been readmitted pending the results of the tests (!?) I'm surprised this hasn't received more attention around the country.

[uppityperson]

1. I see no reason to do this or release anything to any school as all kids should be treated the same,

assume all of them have something, universal precautions and all that. Shame on them for doing any of this.

[Niceguy1]

2. forcing and suspending is wrong

But on the other hand it is important information that would normally be included in the yearly medical information forms......

[blkmusclmachine]

3. Test the Arkansas Legislature while you're at it.

[Posteritatis]

4. ... Isn't that incredibly, staggeringly illegal in the US?

Last I heard the US doesn't fuck around when it comes to HIPAA.

[Kelvin Mace]

5. HIPAA is a federal law

This is a a Confederate state. The law doesn't apply to them