How often can an employer require a nurse to perform a chest X-ray to rule out tuberculosis?

Question:

Dear Nancy,

Last summer I made a decision to work as a travel nurse. Because I actually have had positive reactions to PPD up to now, I had to offer a recent chest x-ray to point out that I didn’t have TB. Since I hadn’t done this in about seven years, I wasn’t anxious about it. (At the start of nursing school, on the recommendation of my primary care physician, I underwent six months of prophylactic isoniazid therapy.)

Now, six months later at a distinct hospital, I will need to have a chest x-ray inside 90 days of my latest project. How often can my employer require chest X-rays, that are related to risks? During my last everlasting hospital stay, not even an annual chest X-ray was required; I just needed to fill out a symptom checker. I don’t need to show myself an excessive amount of to radiation.

Jennifer

Nancy Brent replies:

Dear Jennifer,

Employers are concerned not only in regards to the health and safety of patients searching for treatment at their facilities, but additionally in regards to the health and safety of their healthcare staff. Health care staff putting patients in danger on account of their very own diseases or conditions, reminiscent of tuberculosis, is a legitimate concern. The employer must be sure that the worker is just not infected with tuberculosis and, until that is established, the worker must not work until the infectious disease has been eliminated.

If you might be concerned about exposure to a different chest X-ray, only your doctor can advise you about these risks. He or she can also have details about other ways to find out whether you might be contagious or whether you currently have an lively case of TB. Initial details about tuberculosis and health care staff might be obtained from the next web sites: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (www.osha.gov), and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (www.cdc.gov/NIOSH). For example, type “Mandatory chest x-rays for healthcare workers to rule out active tuberculosis” within the search bar.

Kind regards,
Nancy