Nowadays, persons infected with HIV can participate in professional life in the same way as uninfected persons. There are no restrictions for persons with HIV (and other blood-borne infectious diseases) in professional life. With very few exceptions, this also applies to a career choice and professional practice in the health-care sector. Health-care workers with HIV infection who are regularly monitored and do not show detectable plasma viral load (due to suppressive antiretroviral therapy) do not present a risk of disease transmission to patients. Restrictions in professional life due to HIV infection can only result from consideration of the individual case, with respect to both the affected person and the activities to be performed. If consequences for medical practice are necessary, a standardized procedure taking into account the legitimate interests of all involved parties is recommended. Suggestions for such a procedure are presented. HIV infection (as well as HBV or HCV infection) is subject to complete medical confidentiality. Occupational physicians are only allowed to report in a standardized manner on the ability of a person to perform defined tasks. In the same way, physicians who perform medical examinations of job candidates/ employees on a contract basis are also restricted to reporting about the eligibility of the person for the position in question on the basis of current medical and scientific knowledge.
