A tuberculin skin test must be administered how often after employment?

The requirement to administer a tuberculin skin test annually after employment is based on guidelines aimed at ensuring that healthcare workers remain free from active tuberculosis and that public health safety is maintained. Annual testing helps to promptly identify any potential infection in employees, thereby preventing transmission within healthcare settings. This frequency is viewed as a necessary precaution, especially in facilities where there is a higher risk of exposure to tuberculosis due to interaction with patients who may be infected.

Other options, such as more frequent testing every six months or biannually, may not be necessary or achievable in practice given the nature of tuberculosis transmission and the resources available. Additionally, testing every three years does not provide adequate protection or monitoring to ensure that employees do not develop active tuberculosis over time.

Thus, the annual requirement is established based on risk management practices and public health policy, ensuring that healthcare facilities take appropriate measures to safeguard their employees and patients alike.