South Carolina Long Term Health Care Administrator Practice Test

Residents must have a TST or BAMT result documented within how many months prior to admission?

1. Four months

2. Six months

3. Twelve months

4. One month

The correct answer is: Twelve months

The correct answer indicates that residents must have a Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) or a Blood Agar Method Test (BAMT) documented within a twelve-month period prior to admission. This requirement is established to ensure that patients do not have active tuberculosis at the time they enter a long-term care facility, as it is crucial for infection control and the safety of other residents and staff. Compliance with health regulations often stipulates that facilities screen for communicable diseases, including tuberculosis, to prevent outbreaks. A documentation period of twelve months allows facilities to maintain updated health records while ensuring that individuals who may have been exposed to or developed tuberculosis are identified well ahead of their admission to the facility. This proactive measure helps protect the health and well-being of all residents, the staff, and the overall community within long-term care settings. In contrast, shorter durations such as four, six, or one month may not provide sufficient assurance regarding the health status of incoming residents, potentially leaving the facility and its occupants at risk. The twelve-month timeframe strikes a balance allowing for thorough screening while managing the health vulnerabilities of the population served by long-term care facilities.