The human immunodeficiency virus and its resultant acquired immunodeficiency syndrome has transitioned from an acute to a chronic disease. Therefore, there are significant challenges to both care of the patient and care of the community through transmission prevention. For healthcare personnel, there is a need to understand the transmission, social, legal, and treatment issues. This chapter presents an overview of the background, transmission, prevention, and treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, as well as information on legal and confidentiality issues relating to human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.