Question about procedures regarding exposure to TB

[cschell1964]

My mother is in an assisted living facility. On wednesday she had a TB test. Today the test came back positive. She then informed me that her last roommate was being treated for TB.

My question is:

Wouldn't the facility have to inform me that my mother was exposed to TB by this last roommate? At least if I was informed I could have checked into this sooner. I realized that she may not have TB and that will be determined by a chest X-ray. Since I am listed as the family contact I think I should have been informed. If anyone can shed some light on this I would appreciate your input.

Thank you.

[mysticalwaters1]

My mother is in an assisted living facility. On wednesday she had a TB test. Today the test came back positive. She then informed me that her last roommate was being treated for TB.

My question is:

Wouldn't the facility have to inform me that my mother was exposed to TB by this last roommate? At least if I was informed I could have checked into this sooner. I realized that she may not have TB and that will be determined by a chest X-ray. Since I am listed as the family contact I think I should have been informed. If anyone can shed some light on this I would appreciate your input.

Thank you.

Well, I don't think the facility has the right to tell you about your mom's roomate's condition but certainly someone being treated for TB should not be with a roomate, right?!

[TazziRN, RN]

Only if you are her power of attorney. Remember HIPAA. And even if they had told you she was exposed, they could not, because of HIPAA, tell you by whom.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

My guess is that her room mate was not being treated for active TB, rather a positive TB mantoux (skin test). This doesn't require isolation or a private room. However, active TB certainly does. I would definitely bring this up to the facility's manager.