10A NCAC 41A .0205: Control Measures - Tuberculosis

This proposed rule changes makes permanent the temporary rule change currently in effect. It makes permanent the requirement to declare an individual "noninfectious" from three consecutive sputum specimens to two consecutive sputum specimens. This change will permit a more timely release of patients from respiratory isolation with fewer burdens on the patient and local health department staff.

The rule also proposes permitting use of interferon gamma release assays in place of tuberculin skin testing may increase expenditure on these assays while decreasing expenditure on the labor and materials for tuberculin skin testing. However, the rule only permits the use of these assays without mandating their use in any situation; thus, no new expenditure is required by any provider. The use of interferon gamma release assays may reduce the number of persons testing positive for tuberculosis infection because these assays are more specific than the tuberculin skin test (i.e. fewer false-positive tests). This greater specificity would result in reduced public health expenditures on further evaluation and treatment of persons with false-positive tuberculin skin tests .

A public hearing was held on March 7, 2012 at 10 a.m. in the Cardinal Room, located at 5605 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27609.

Proposed Rule:	10A NCAC 41A .0205: Control Measures - Tuberculosis (Notice Date: MM/DD/2012)
Fiscal Note:	10A NCAC 41A .0205 Fiscal Impact
Federal Certification:	N/A
Adopted Rule:	N/A

Public Comments

The public comment period was from February 12, 2012 through April 16, 2012. Comments for this rule will not be accepted after April 16, 2012.

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