In discussing the way health care workers should conduct themselves in dealing with AIDS and HIV infection, it is useful to consider the principles of biomedical ethics. These principles include at least four basic concepts: autonomy, i.e. the respect for the rights, dignity and freedom of the individual; non-maleficence, the principle of not harming; beneficence, or doing good; and justice, which includes equity, impartiality, and truth-telling. It is also necessary for health care workers to adhere to a code of ethical conduct. Public health officials and epidemiologists need to know who is HIV antibody positive, in order to maintain effective surveillance over the progress of the epidemic. On the other hand, members of the gay community who have been discriminated against have powerful emotional reasons for resisting the pressure to be identified. However, case identification remains essential for counseling and effective care. 1 reference.