The principle of autonomy involves respect for persons and their right to make informed decisions about their lives, health, and health care. This encompasses the right to privacy and confidentiality, which are of particular importance in the work setting. An unjustified breach of confidentiality may place the AIDS patient at risk of loss of employment, employment-related health insurance, and further social stigma or isolation. Beneficence requires caregivers to act in the best interests of their patients; and the related principle, nonmaleficence, guides health care providers and organizations not to harm or injure persons. Providing personal protective measures for health care workers to prevent HIV exposure and providing counseling regarding HIV exposure are examples of beneficence. Nonmaleficence permits limitations on personal freedom if others are at risk of harm, such as through disease exposure. Although this justifies HIV screening in appropriate circumstances of risk, screening is not justified under circumstances of casual contact. The principle of justice requires that risks and benefits be equally distributed among all society's members, not just a selected group. Issues of employment discrimination, continued health insurance coverage, or increased insurance premiums for persons with HIV infection or AIDS are addressed in the principle of justice. 9 references.