Which statement describes the TB screening requirement for all employees?

• A. All employees must have baseline TB screening, and high-risk or exposed employees should have annual screening.
• B. Only new hires need TB screening.
• C. TB screening is optional for all employees.
• D. Annual TB screening is required for everyone.

Answer: (A)

Baseline TB screening for all employees establishes a starting point for each person’s TB status, which is essential in healthcare settings to prevent transmission and protect both patients and staff. By screening everyone when they join, facilities can identify latent TB infection early and manage it appropriately. After that initial screen, only employees with higher risk for exposure or with known exposure should have annual re-screening, while those at lower risk typically do not require yearly testing. This risk-based approach balances safety with sensible use of resources. The other options either miss ongoing risk by screening only new hires, deem screening optional, or require annual screening for everyone, which is not aligned with standard infection prevention practices.