Virginia State Laws on Tuberculosis Testing for Nurse Aides

Certified nursing assistants help extend nursing care to more patients than a registered nurse can reach at any given time. RNs delegate simple nursing tasks to CNAs so that patients needing services that don't require an RN's judgement can be seen and cared for more quickly. These tasks may include bathing, dressing, assistance with mobility, checking pulse and temperature, and changing of adult diapers. Virginia has many laws and regulations regarding CNAs, their licensing and scope of practice. However, it does not mandate tuberculosis testing.

CNA Laws

• Virginia regulations for CNAs cover the definition of a CNA, application procedures and permissible duties, but none requires tuberculosis testing for initial licensing, renewal of licensing or compliance under license regulations.

Common Practice

• Most hospitals, home health agencies and skilled nursing facilities require annual or semi-annual TB testing for all employees. For example, Homewatch Caregivers of Falls Church lists a current TB test as one qualification for its CNAs. Individual organizations take this step as part of their infection control and risk management efforts.

Agency Guidelines

• Both the Centers for Disease Control and the Joint Commission -- which accredits hospitals -- have guidelines on infection control and preventing the spread of tuberculosis in health care settings. These guidelines recommend that all medical facility personnel, including CNAs, undergo regular TB testing. However, these guidelines are neither state nor federal law.