How often must employees receive a Tuberculin skin test after initial employment?

Employees must receive a Tuberculin skin test every year after their initial employment to ensure ongoing screening for tuberculosis (TB), as part of health and safety standards in health facilities. This regular testing is essential, particularly in environments where the risk of TB transmission is heightened due to close contact with patients who may have the disease or live in community settings with higher prevalence rates. Annual testing allows for the early detection of TB infection, which is crucial for preventing outbreaks and safeguarding both staff and patients.

Additionally, adherence to the annual testing requirement helps fulfill regulatory and accreditation criteria, ensuring that the facility meets public health guidelines aimed at protecting vulnerable populations. Therefore, maintaining this yearly testing schedule is an important aspect of infection control and public health policy in healthcare settings.