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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

PSW and an HIV Positive Person

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Barrie, ON

I'm very curious if a person who is HIV positive can become a PSW?

June 16
 · 
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myHIVteam

Can a person living with HIV become a Personal Support Worker (PSW)? The short answer is: yes, in most cases!

HIV-positive status alone is not a legal barrier to working as a PSW in most countries, including Canada and the US. People living with HIV who are on effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) and maintaining an Show Full Answer

Can a person living with HIV become a Personal Support Worker (PSW)? The short answer is: yes, in most cases!

HIV-positive status alone is not a legal barrier to working as a PSW in most countries, including Canada and the US. People living with HIV who are on effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) and maintaining an undetectable viral load can lead healthy, fully functional working lives.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

- Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U): When viral load is undetectable, the risk of transmitting HIV is effectively zero, making it safe to work in caregiving roles
- Anti-discrimination laws: In many places, HIV-positive individuals are protected from workplace discrimination under human rights or disability legislation
- Disclosure: There is generally no legal requirement to disclose HIV status to an employer unless it directly affects the ability to perform job duties safely
- Health considerations: If HIV-related complications affect stamina or immunity, it's worth discussing workload and environment with a doctor

It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider and possibly a legal advisor familiar with local employment and human rights laws to fully understand rights and any workplace accommodations that might help.

June 16
A myHIVteam Member

Yes... They absolutely CAN. On the most part, employers are about the only people with whom I do not actively share my HIV status. If asked direct questions though, I will not lie either... I just don't make a habit of being very up front about it, especially in my 3 month probation, as this seems to lead to termination in most cases, which is really sad.

June 22
A myHIVteam Member

Most medical companies won't hire if they know ur hiv poz. It's employer choice. I was fired from a trucking company wen I told them y I had to be home for a drs appointment but they put a different reason. Right to work states don't hav the barriers or high standards against hiv discrimination n can put any reasonthey choose n we as employeeshav to prove otherwise in court n most d9nt hav money for lawyers so its the luck of the draw to find a lawyer who will take paymentfrom the settlement. In a Disability Court, A Judge Deemed Me Unemployable partly bcuz of hiv n the rest bcuz I made pepl fire me (2014), I wudnt quit bcuz if they fire u after working for them for 3 months or more, u can file for unemployment compensation but u can't hav a history of disciplinary action. If u can prove you wer terminated under duress, ya got a great case for unemployment. Being fired unlawfully or false reasons that can be proven, is a great court case wen u sue the company.

June 16

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