NEW YORK, NY March 15, 2005 —For years, Emergency Rooms have treated rape victims and healthcare workers accidentally exposed to blood, as if they might have HIV. Many receive a difficult, four-week drug therapy.

Recently, state and federal health officials have expanded the guidelines. Now, they say, anyone at risk can be eligible for the treatment.

As WNYC's Fred Mogul reports, public health leaders believe the change could make a big difference in communities affected by HIV and AIDS.