[Suggested procedure in dealing with chronically infected staff members (infections with HBV, HCV, HIV) in medical institutions in Bremen].

The measures necessary for medical staff suffering from acute hepatitis B or C virus infection are determined by the Biological Material Act (Biostoffverordnung) and the Federal Infectious Disease Protection Law (Infektionsschutzgesetz). Problems can occur in cases of chronic hepatitis B or C virus infections, especially if the infected persons refer to doctor's professional discretion. Bremen experts from the Public Health Authority and the Medical Association, occupational, health, hygiene, juridical and data protection specialists evolved a plan for adequate action. The best possible steps which can be taken within the legal system are described. High priority has the protection of the patients and the infected professional and his or her colleagues, without breaking confidentiality. Several times this practice has been proved and it could be shown that the procedure doesn't conflict with the recommendations of the Federal Institute of Hygiene (Robert Koch-Institut) and the German Association for Virus Disease Control (Deutsche Vereinigung zur Bekämpfung der Viruserkrankungen).