A tuberculin skin test is required for each employee of a facility within how many months prior to employment?

For employment in certain health care facilities in Indiana, a tuberculin skin test is required to ensure that employees do not have active tuberculosis, which can be a significant health risk in care environments. The correct interval for this test is that it must be administered within one month prior to the start of employment. This short timeframe is critical because it allows employers to ensure that new hires are not contagious and helps maintain a safe environment for both staff and patients. A requirement of one month aligns with public health standards aimed at minimizing the risk of tuberculosis transmission in facilities where exposure is a concern.

Other timeframes, such as two, three, or six months, would potentially allow for positive tests to go undetected for too long, increasing the risk of an outbreak within the facility. Therefore, the one-month requirement is designed to promote immediate and effective screening, ensuring timely intervention if necessary.