| Abstract: | The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that food handlers suspected of having AIDS can be required by their employers to undergo testing for opportunistic infections. Such employers are obligated by the Public Health Code and by other food-safety regulations to exclude employees who may transmit opportunistic diseases such as salmonella and tuberculosis. The ruling applies only to the food services industry. Employees may not be tested specifically for HIV, and may not be fired if they have AIDS but are free from other diseases. This ruling came as a result of a suit filed by Dorene Sanchez against the Paradise Family Restaurant. Based on rumors that Sanchez had AIDS, the restaurant owner asked Sanchez to be tested and to not return to work without a doctor's note certifying that she was healthy. Sanchez's test was negative, and she sued claiming discrimination under the Michigan Handicappers' Civil Rights Act. |
