Who's protected? Legal, ethical issues in employing the immunosuppressed.

Abstract

There does exist a growing population of immunosuppressed people who are entering or re-entering the workforce, and their impact will be felt in the future. They present unique needs that should be addressed clearly, but the waters remain muddy. How do all remain protected and at what cost? The government has established mandates for hiring and accommodating the disabled, but how does the small employer survive the financial consequences? What happens when the 16-year-old bone-marrow transplant recipient cuts her hand on metal shelving at the hardware store where she works? Who is liable for the medical costs if the individual contracts an infection, or worse, tetanus? Is the individual's transplant considered a pre-existing condition? Will the employer's worker's compensation package cover the expense? Worse yet, what happens if this individual should die of complications from the injury? Who is responsible? Would the outcome be different if the employer knew the individual was immunosuppressed? Does the pre-existing condition influence the medical insurance coverage or costs? Can a truly safe environment be provided? At what cost to whom?