INFORMATIONAL

  The 1997 General Assembly, through HB 2764, amended Section
  22.1-271.3 of the Code of Virginia to require school boards
  to ensure that school personnel who have direct contact with
  students receive training in "the etiology, prevention,
  transmission modes, and effects of blood-borne pathogens,
  specifically, hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency viruses
  or any other infections that are the subject of regulations
  promulgated by the Safety and Health Codes board of the
  Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Program within the
  Department of Labor and Industry."  The bill also requires
  local health directors to provide medical advice to Division
  Superintendents regarding possible exposures of school
  personnel to blood or body fluids of students.  

  Attached is a copy of a memorandum from the Virginia
  Department of Health (VDH) to District Health Directors.  As
  you will note, local health departments may be able to help
  you in planning for the required training.  Further, the
  manual Guidelines for Specialized Health Care Procedures,
  distributed to each school in 1996, contains useful
  information in training of school personnel.  

  The attached memorandum also advises District Health
  Directors of their responsibilities in investigating
  incidences of school employee exposure to blood or body
  fluids.  You are encouraged to contact the appropriate
  person to develop procedures for your school division.  

  Questions about this matter may be referred to H. Douglas
  Cox, Director, Office of Special Education and Student
  Services.  Mr. Cox may be reached at (804) 225-2402 or by 
  E-mail at dougcox@pen.k12.va.us.

  RTL/hdc

  Attachment:  A hard copy of this memo and its attachment
               will be sent to the superintendent's office.