Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 105 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH › Title 105 CMR 365.000 - STANDARDS FOR MANAGEMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS OUTSIDE HOSPITALS › Section 365.004 - Definitions

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
Active Tuberculosis
. Tuberculosis is a
				state of active disease in any organ or tissue, with active reproduction of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
as determined by positive culture
				for
M. tuberculosis
or a diagnostic nucleic acid or other
				definitive laboratory test (in distinction to latent tuberculosis infection).
				The individual with active tuberculosis may or may not be infectious.
Adherence
. The extent to which a
				patient continues an agreed upon treatment plan for active or clinically
				suspected tuberculosis, including taking anti-tuberculosis medications and
				keeping health care appointments.
Adherence Support
. Any measures or
				interventions that assist an individual in achieving adherence with a regimen
				of treatment and care for tuberculosis. This may include, but is not limited
				to, assistance with food and shelter, incentives, enablers, and substance abuse
				and mental health treatment.
Case Assessment
. The investigation
				conducted by the local board of health nurse to determine the potential the
				patient has to transmit disease to others, based on level and duration of
				exposure, and the medical, environmental, economic and social factors which may
				influence adherence to the prescribed treatment plan.
Clinically Suspected Tuberculosis
. A
				condition in which the individual has laboratory evidence (smear or culture or
				other test) consistent with, but not confirmatory of, tuberculosis; or has
				chest X-ray findings interpreted as probable tuberculosis by a qualified
				medical authority.
Communicable
. The ability to transmit
				disease from one person or animal to another.
Confirmed Case of Tuberculosis
. An
				individual who meets the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
				criteria to verify a case as tuberculosis disease.
Contact
. An individual who has been
				exposed to a person with communicable infectious tuberculosis sufficient in
				both duration and proximity that there is increased risk for transmission of
				tuberculosis.
Contact Investigation
. The procedure
				of tracing, testing, evaluating, and treating persons who have been in contact
				with a person who potentially has infectious tuberculosis.
Drug Resistant Tuberculosis
.
				Tuberculosis caused by
tubercle bacilli
that are not
				susceptible to one or more anti-tuberculosis drugs.
Enablers
. A term used to describe
				those things that make it possible or easier for patients to receive treatment
				by overcoming barriers such as transportation difficulties.
Incentives
. Small rewards given to
				patients to encourage them to take their own medicines, keep their clinic
				appointments, or follow their directly observed therapy plan.
Latent Tuberculosis Infection
.
				Condition in which living
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
bacteria
				are present in an individual as evidenced by skin test or other test for
				determining the presence of tuberculosis infection. A person with latent
				tuberculosis infection does not have an illness and is not infectious until and
				unless they develop active tuberculosis.
Nurse Case Manager
. A registered
				nurse, designated by the local board of health, who has the overall
				responsibility of monitoring and coordinating the implementation of the
				patient's treatment plan until the completion of therapy. The nurse case
				manager also assists the patient in obtaining other community resources, such
				as social services, that will assist him or her with adherence to
				therapy.
Tubercle Bacillus/Bacilli
. A
bacillus
(bacteria) causing tuberculosis; usually refers to
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
.
Tuberculosis Program
. The program
				within the Department of Public Health that administers the provisions of
				105 CMR 365.000.
Tuberculosis Surveillance Nurse
. A
				Public Health Nurse who works for the Tuberculosis Program.