What action should be taken by a healthcare worker before they can participate in exposure-prone procedures while HIV positive?

A healthcare worker who is HIV positive must consult a review panel for advice before participating in exposure-prone procedures to ensure both their safety and the safety of patients. This process typically involves a thorough evaluation of the healthcare worker's health status, the nature of their HIV management, and the specific procedures they wish to perform.

The review panel, often composed of healthcare professionals with expertise in infectious diseases, occupational health, and legal considerations, assesses the risks and provides guidance based on current medical standards and practices. This step is crucial because exposure-prone procedures inherently carry a higher risk of blood exposure, and it is essential to guarantee that proper precautions and treatments are in place to minimize the risk of transmission.

While increasing standard precautions and limiting practices to non-invasive procedures may seem prudent, these actions do not provide the comprehensive framework required for safety verification in exposure-prone situations. Additionally, completely avoiding all types of procedures would restrict the healthcare worker's ability to practice, which may not be necessary or justified if appropriate assessments and precautions are followed. Hence, referencing an expert panel ensures informed decisions aligning with both legal regulations and medical guidelines for safe healthcare practices among HIV-positive practitioners.