What are the TB testing requirements for caregivers in California?

Initial Tuberculin Skin Test and Monitoring:

- Before working in a long-term care, subacute, or acute rehabilitative facility caring for vulnerable adults, all prospective employees and volunteers must:

- Obtain a negative tuberculin skin test (TST) within the previous 4 years or

- Demonstrate immune protection by meeting one of the following categories:

- Previous positive TST documented within the past 12 months or history of tuberculosis (TB) disease with appropriate treatment

- Documentation of bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination

- Positive QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT) or T-SPOT.TB test within the previous 12 months

**Annual Screening:*

- After demonstrating initial compliance, employees and volunteers must undergo annual screening with either:

- A TST

- A QFT-GIT or T-SPOT.TB test

Reporting Requirements:

- Healthcare facilities must report positive results of TSTs or blood tests to the local health authority within 3 working days.

_It's important to note that these requirements may be subject to change, and it's recommended to refer to the California Department of Public Health's website for the latest guidelines and regulations._