Virginia Law

A. Within 90 days prior to the initial application, the applicant for licensure as an independent foster home provider, each assistant and each adult member of the household shall undergo an assessment for risk of tuberculosis infection and disease.

1. The applicant shall provide documentation from the health department, a physician, or a physician's designee that each individual is "free from tuberculosis in a communicable form."

2. Individuals needing additional testing to determine the absence of tuberculosis in a communicable form shall obtain a tuberculin skin test and:

a. The statement shall include the type of test used, the date of the test, and the test results.

b. The statement shall be signed and dated by a physician, the physician's designee, or an official of a local health department.

B. If an individual is not able to receive a tuberculin test for health reasons, this shall be documented by a physician.

1. The physician's statement shall also include the date when the test can be safely administered.

2. The individual shall obtain the tuberculin test no later than 30 days after the date indicated by the physician.

C. An individual who had a positive reaction to a tuberculin skin test and whose physician certifies the absence of communicable tuberculosis shall obtain chest x-rays on an annual basis for the following two years.

1. The statement shall document the date of the x-rays.

2. The statement shall be signed by a licensed physician, the physician's designee, or an official of a local health department.

D. Any individual who, upon examination or as a result of tests, shows indication of communicable tuberculosis or a physical condition that may jeopardize the safety of children in care shall be removed from contact with children and, where indicated, from food served to children.

E. Contact may resume when a licensed physician certifies that the risk to children has been eliminated or substantially reduced.

F. The provider, any assistants, and any adult household members shall undergo subsequent screening or testing, as appropriate, every two years thereafter.

G. Any individual who comes in contact with a known case of tuberculosis or develops chronic respiratory symptoms shall, within 30 days of exposure or development, receive an evaluation to indicate the absence of tuberculosis in a communicable form.