What’s new: DSS issued a memo announcing that VDH updated the Virginia Tuberculosis (TB) Screening and Risk Assessment Tool used to screen staff and residents.

Of note, DSS explains that the symptom screen and risk factor assessment may be conducted by a licensed healthcare provider (MD, PA, NP, RN, LPN).

• If a symptom or risk factor for TB is identified, further evaluation should also be performed by a licensed healthcare provider (MD, PA, NP, RN, LPN), however an RN or an LPN conducting evaluations must have an order by healthcare personnel with prescriptive authority consistent with Virginia professional practice acts for medicine and nursing.

Action for facilities:

• Use the Virginia Tuberculosis (TB) Screening and Risk Assessment Tool to identify asymptomatic individuals six years and older for latent TB testing.
• See pages 6-7 of the memo for regulatory citations for ALF and adult day care center TB screening and risk assessment requirements.

For context: DSS issued a memo in October 2022 that is replaced by the new memo dated April 14, 2023.

• The prior memo excluded LPNs from being able to conduct TB screening.
• VCAL worked closely with DSS, the Board of Nursing, and the VDH Office of Epidemiology, which oversees TB screening and reporting, to ensure that LPNs were able to conduct these screenings.