NCJ Number
156284
Journal
Journal of Correctional Health Care Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1995) Pages: 67-70
Date Published
1995
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This position statement on the administrative management of tuberculosis in correctional facilities provides guidelines for an infection-control program in the areas of screening and testing for staff and inmates, education, special housing, treatment interventions, special issues in TB and HIV prevention, and discharge planning.
Abstract
All correctional employees should be tested for TB initially and annually as a condition of employment; all new adult and juvenile admissions to correctional facilities should be screened and tested for TB. Staff must be educated on proper infection control procedures and the identification of TB symptoms; inmates must be educated on the disease and treatment process. All inmates who exhibit TB symptoms and those suspected of having TB should remain in single-unit medical isolation until they are no longer infectious to other inmates or staff. Medical intervention should be considered for all inmates believed to be infected with MDR-TB but show no evidence of active disease. All inmates diagnosed with active TB should be encouraged to be tested for the antibodies to HIV. All inmates who are receiving anti- tuberculosis medications on discharge should be referred to the local health department and community-based organizations for follow-up and treatment.