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Tuberculosis Testing Requirements

TB Risk Assessment Requirements

TB Testing Related Files

Attention - All VCPUSD Contracted Employees

Effective July 1, 2015, Valley Center - Pauma Unified School District began implementing new procedures for Tuberculosis (TB) Testing requirements for employees and volunteers.  The background that serves as the basis for the change is provided below.

All employees and volunteers may complete a Risk Assessment Questionnaire with a qualified medical practitioner (nurse, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, physician).  The practitioner will provide results only to the District.  Furthermore, all contracted employees (not walk-on coaches, stipend only positions, independent contractors, or volunteers) will have access to the District Registered Nurse to complete the questionnaire.  The R.N. will attempt to make initial contact with the employee, however, it is ultimately the employee’s responsibility to have the Tuberculosis Risk Assessment completed prior to the expiration date.

Background

The California School Nurses Organization (CSNO), in partnership with the California Tuberculosis (TB) Controllers Association (CTCA), the California Department of Public Health TB Control Branch (CDPH-TB), and the California Department of Education (CDE), are pleased to announce the release of materials to support the implementation of AB 1667, which replaces universal TB testing for private, parochial, public K-12 school and nursery school employees and volunteers. Starting January 1, 2015, newly hired school district employees and volunteers with frequent or prolonged contact with pupils will be required to submit the Pre-K and K-12 TB risk assessment questionnaire within 60 days of hire and every four years thereafter or submit to a TB test on the same schedule. The risk assessment questionnaire was developed by CDPH and the CTCA and may be administered by a physician or surgeon, physician’s assistant (PA), a nurse practitioner (NP) or a registered nurse (RN). Many school nurses provide TB placement for their school districts. School nurses can play a critical role in conducting Pre-K and K-12 TB Risk Assessments for their school districts.

With the Pre-K and K-12 TB Risk Assessment Questionnaire, if no risk factors are identified, a more in-depth examination is not required. If tuberculosis risk factors are identified, the individual must be referred and examined to determine that he or she is free of infectious tuberculosis by a physician, surgeon, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner. This examination shall consist of any test for TB recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and licensed by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If the test is positive, the test shall be followed by a chest X-Ray to rule out infectious TB.

AB 1667 did not change RN scope practice. AB 1667 requires determining the presence of TB risk factors & an examination when risk factors are assessed. Yes, the RN can administer the risk assessment; if no risk factors are present, the RN can also sign the certificate of completion. The RN may also perform the TB test (blood draw for IGRA or injection for PPD); if the TB test is negative, the RN may also sign the certificate of completion. If the TB test is positive, the RN must ensure it be followed by a chest x-ray and an examination (& other tests as necessary) by a MD, PA or NP who would certify on the certificate following that exam.

If you have any questions, please contact any of the following individuals via the District Office at (760) 749-0464: