HIV antibody-positive. A new cause of impairment.

The American Academy of Physician Assistants Subcommittee on the Impaired Physician Assistant has begun to receive requests for help from PAs who fear that their ability to practice may be hindered because they are at risk of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The American Medical Association and the Centers for Disease Control have already developed some guidelines for all health care providers. The special concerns of PAs are also being addressed by our national leadership. In response to specific concerns by some PAs directly affected, the former chairperson of the Task Force on the Impaired PA helped develop questions that the profession needs to address.