ABSTRACT
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) first came to the attention of the American public in the early 1980s. To fully understand the importance of corporate AIDS-related policies, a brief review of the legal status of AIDS is necessary. Given the potentially overwhelming burden of AIDS and its implications for employers, it is essential that employers consider development of formal AIDS policies. The approach to education will vary according to the organization’s structure, philosophy, size, and resources, but should definitely be a key part of any AIDS-related corporate policy. State laws regarding the status of AIDS in the workplace vary widely. Support for employees is also extremely important, and is reflected in the approach taken by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG & E). At PG & E, a confidential employee hotline was set up in 1984 by a group of volunteers from the company’s human resources department.
