{"id":977,"date":"2018-09-27T21:38:14","date_gmt":"2018-09-27T21:38:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.accesalabs.com\/blog\/?p=977"},"modified":"2020-05-27T23:31:17","modified_gmt":"2020-05-27T23:31:17","slug":"back-to-school-tb-screening","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.accesalabs.com\/blog\/back-to-school-tb-screening\/","title":{"rendered":"Back to School Time: TB Screening for Parent Volunteers"},"content":{"rendered":"

The start of the year is very exciting because a new group of students, coworkers, and parent volunteers will be coming together to bring fresh energy into the school and classrooms.<\/p>\n

Teachers and staff work closely with volunteers to ensure the success of our many programs. Volunteers will often ask me what requirements they must meet in order to work at the school with many of them asking about the tuberculosis (TB) test. I\u2019ve put together some information on the requirements for TB testing<\/a> are in the state of California, with a close focus on Los Angeles County.<\/p>\n

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TB testing requirements in California<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Here are three helpful online resources to help you understand the TB testing landscape:<\/p>\n

County of Los Angeles Public Health<\/a><\/p>\n

California Department of Public Health<\/a><\/p>\n

California Tuberculosis Controllers Association<\/a><\/p>\n

Some interesting history to consider:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prior to 2012 there was a universal TB<\/strong> testing<\/strong> policy \u2013 everyone got tested before coming on campus<\/p>\n

2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In 2012, LA County adopted the use of \u201crisk assessment surveys\u201d and a universal screening<\/strong> policy for students (rather than testing) \u2013 only students who are identified to be at risk for TB need to be tested<\/p>\n

3)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Between 2015 to 2017, three new California laws were enacted to adopt a similar risk assessment approach for teachers and volunteers \u2013 only those identified to be at risk for TB need to be tested.\u00a0 A certificate of completion of a TB risk assessment for someone found to have no risks can be accepted for clearance for employment or volunteering.<\/p>\n

As we all know, there are exceptions to most laws and TB is no exception. There are still specialized education settings that still require universal TB testing by California law. These include employees and volunteers at heritage schools, e.g. part time language\/culture schools and pupils for schools of the deaf and blind.<\/p>\n

Takeaway #1:\u00a0 If you are a \u201cnew\u201d parent volunteer at your local public school and will have \u201cfrequent or prolonged contact\u201d with students, you should take a TB risk assessment to determine whether further screening is necessary. <\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

What constitutes \u201cfrequent or prolonged contact with students\u201d?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Examples include (but are not limited to) regularly-scheduled classroom volunteering and field trips where cumulative face-to-face time with students exceeds 8 hours.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

What is a TB risk assessment?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A TB risk assessment is a series of questions used to determine whether or not you are at risk for TB infection and should be tested.\u00a0 A TB risk assessment is not used for screening people who have documented history of a positive TB test or TB disease.<\/p>\n

If you are found to be \u201cat risk\u201d for latent TB infection, LTBI means the M. tuberculosis <\/em>bacteria is present, but you do not show any signs or symptoms.\u00a0 A good way to think about it is as if the TB is sleeping but could wake up.<\/p>\n

The TB risk assessment forms and instructions were designed for use by medical professionals, hence why they can be quite intimidating.\u00a0 At first glance, the assessment instructions and presentation of the information reminded me somewhat of filling out the tax withholding section on a W-4 form for work \u2013 ask 3 people how to fill it out and you will get 3 different answers. Also, the TB risk assessments can be slightly different depending on your age, your position and state of residency.<\/p>\n

Here is an image of a recent TB risk assessment for California school students, employees and volunteers:<\/p>\n

\"tuberculosis<\/p>\n

Thankfully, Accesa Labs has created an easier way to take an initial self-assessment which you can find here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/strong>\u00a0 You will still need to have a health care provider administer an official TB risk assessment and sign a certificate of completion (see below). <\/span><\/p>\n

\"tuberculosis<\/p>\n

Takeaway #2:\u00a0 If you are a parent volunteer at your local public school in California, a signed Certificate of Completion of the TB risk assessment and\/or examination is required. <\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Who may sign the Certificate of Completion in California?<\/strong><\/p>\n