County of Marin Health and Human Services

Tuberculosis Control Program

Reporting Tuberculosis

Health providers are mandated by Title 17 to report cases of active tuberculosis, suspect tuberculosis, positive tuberculin skin tests in children under age 5 years, and converters with documented negative skin test within the past two years.

Health care providers must complete a confidential online report for all suspect and active tuberculosis cases among Marin County residents. Please do not wait for laboratory confirmation before reporting.

Health care facilities must complete the Tuberculosis Discharge Treatment Plan (updated July 2018) prior to discharge and fax to the County of Marin TB Control Program at 415-473-6002.  

For more information visit our TB page for Health Care Providers

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.  The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain.  If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.  The goal of Marin HHS's TB Control Program is to interrupt the transmission of active TB within our communities and protect the health of all Marin County residents. 

TB Screening

Health Care Facilities

On May 17, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Tuberculosis Controllers Association (NTCA) released updated recommendations for TB screening, testing, and treatment of health care personnel. The three TB screening risk classifications are low risk, medium risk, and potential ongoing transmission. In medium risk facilities, health care personnel will or will possibly be exposed to persons with TB disease or to clinical specimens that might contain M. tuberculosis. Health care facilities should offer annual TB testing if there is medium- or potential ongoing risk of TB transmission. 

Annual TB testing of health care personnel is not recommended unless there is a known exposure or ongoing transmission. For more information, visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or call Marin County TB Control.  

Testing for Work Clearance

Different employer types have TB screening requirements to ensure that employees are screened and/or tested for TB based on their facility risk.  Employers that are required to offer TB screening for employees (and/or volunteers) include childcare facilities, schools, colleges and universities, health care facilities, home care agencies, substance use treatment programs, Parks and Recreation programs, correctional facilities, and emergency medical systems (incl. first responders). 

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and California TB Controllers Association (CTCA) developed a tuberculosis risk assessment form for adults who do not require mandatory TB testing. The TB Control Program does not provide TB skin tests for work clearance. 

School Staff and Volunteers

California law requires that school staff and volunteers working with children and community college students be free of infectious tuberculosis (TB) disease. Effective January 1, 2017, TB risk assessment must be administered, and if risk factors are identified, a TB test and examination must be performed by a health care provider to determine that the person is free of infectious TB disease.   The  TB risk assessment and the Certificate of Completion, developed by CDPH and CTCA, are also required.

Drop-In Screening

Marin Community Clinics (MCC) is offering drop-in TB screening on Tuesdays & Fridays from 1:30 pm-4:00 pm at 3260 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, CA 94901.  For more information call 415-448-1500.

 

Additional Information about Tuberculosis

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Personal stories about TB

Information for Medical Providers

California Tuberculosis Controllers Association

Curry International Tuberculosis Center