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Tuberculosis: Assessments/Screenings Required in Primary Care Settings

Starting January 1, 2025, AB 2132 generally requires a health care provider to offer a tuberculosis risk assessment, and screening (if appropriate) to all adult patients seen in a setting where primary care services are provided to the extent these services are covered by the patient's health care coverage. Providers should follow the latest screening indications recommended by the State Department of Public Health, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Thoracic Society, or the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

Under this law, the provider is not required to offer a risk assessment or perform a screening in the following circumstances, unless the provider determines that the risk assessment, screening test, or both should be offered again:

• The patient is being treated for a life-threatening emergency or is being seen in the emergency department of a general acute care hospital, as defined in Health and Safety Code section 1250(a).
• The patient previously received a tuberculosis risk assessment, tuberculosis screening test, or both, and has no new tuberculosis risk factors since their last risk assessment or screening test.
• The patient has a documented, previously positive Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) test or has previously tested positive by any other test licensed by the United States Food and Drug Administration for a latent tuberculosis infection.
• The patient lacks the capacity to consent to the tuberculosis risk assessment, tuberculosis screening test, or both, and consent cannot be obtained from a person legally authorized to make medical decisions on the patient's behalf.

If a patient tests positive for tuberculosis, a health care provider shall offer them appropriate follow up care or refer them to another health care provider for care.

A health care provider who fails to comply with these requirements, however, will not be subject to any disciplinary actions related to their licensure or certification, or to any civil or criminal liability.

For additional information, please visit the California Legislative Information website.