Mandatory Testing

[EMT-B 55]

I would recommend checking what the EMS requires.

[Just Plain Ruff]

I would recommend checking what the EMS requires.

HUH????

Well folks, I got a ppd a number of years ago and my conversion reaction was massive. I was on antibiotics for 8 months and can't take the PPD test and have to take a chest x-ray.

Take the test or don't. Your choice. Make a stand or don't. Every agency I've ever worked for requires it.

[eb1040]

The CDC puts out the guidelines and a state TB control office, usually through the DPH, can make it mandatory for the state in certain settings. This is also why there are some variations per each state for settings such as prisons and long term care facilities in regards to mandatory TB testing.

I know Minnesota and Iowa do mandate a baseline screening for all health care workers. I believe this is true in New York also.

But, you might be able to use the argument that EMS is not really part of a health care setting and you are not considered a health care worker by the definition given by the CDC or the state.

Here is a link to the TB control offices for each state.

http://www.cdc.gov/t...s/tboffices.htm

It has only been through strick adherence to testing policies and isolation that the number of TB patients has been reduced but is still high in the US and that includes the MDR-TB cases. If you don't want to be part of the solution you could become part of the problem.

Edited July 25, 2012 by eb1040

[DFIB]

Just be glad you are not seropositive and have to spring for a CXR every year!