Slovenian Advocate Closes HIV Discrimination Case After Healthcare Provider Updates Practices

Slovenia's Advocate of the Principle of Equality, Miha Lobnik, has closed an investigation into a healthcare institution after finding that discriminatory practices against patients living with HIV have ceased. The investigation was initiated due to suspicions that individuals with HIV were being treated differently from other patients.

A judicial expert in infectology had previously highlighted that the then-current document outlining the treatment of patients with infectious diseases in dental care did not fully incorporate the latest medical findings for treating HIV patients. The expert noted that certain directives and measures in the protocol were not professionally necessary and contradicted the goal of preventing discrimination and stigmatization of people living with HIV. Specifically, conducting examinations of HIV-positive patients at the end of the workday was deemed inconsistent with equal treatment principles.

Additionally, the expert found that extra measures such as double disinfection, room ventilation, and the use of disposable gloves and gowns were unnecessary. During the investigation, it was determined that the controversial protocol is no longer in effect. Patients with HIV are now treated the same as other patients, adhering to standard precautions applicable to all individuals regardless of their health status.

The healthcare institution confirmed its adherence to current professional guidelines, including the document "HIV and Healthcare Workers," and regularly trains its staff on treating patients with HIV. Lobnik expressed satisfaction that the institution has abandoned practices contributing to stigma and aligned its treatment procedures with current professional standards, thus concluding the discrimination proceedings.

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It pleases me that the healthcare institution has abandoned the practice that contributed to the stigmatization of people living with HIV and has aligned its treatment with current professional guidelines.