S.B. 818 - Tuberculosis Testing

• Requires the Department of Health to accept FDA-approved, CDC-recommended tuberculosis blood tests as an alternative to the Mantoux tuberculin skin test for obtaining a certificate of tuberculosis examination.

• Applies to all individuals required to be tested for tuberculosis, including children entering school, school personnel, higher-risk population workers, and higher education students.

• Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 302A-1154 to clarify that tuberculosis testing documentation must comply with both department of health rules and state law.

• Directs the Department of Health to amend administrative rules to include FDA-approved, CDC-recommended TB blood tests as an acceptable diagnostic alternative within existing procedures.

• Maintains all existing administrative rules and procedures regarding Mantoux tuberculin skin tests and chest x-rays until formally amended to incorporate the new blood test option.