Tuberculosis Program

Professional

TB Prevention and Control

Homeless Shelters

The TB Program is available for:

• TB consultation
• Free PPD tuberculin (specifically for homeless shelters)
• Educational materials
• Contact investigation services
• Referral information on the state’s clinical TB resources (RISE Clinic, Hasbro TB Clinic).

Confirmed or suspected TB in a homeless person should be immediately reported to the TB Program so that:

• The person can be referred to the RISE Clinic for evaluation and treatment.
• Potentially exposed persons can be located and evaluated for TB exposure.
• TB should be suspected in any homeless person with a fever and a productive cough of more than 1-3 weeks duration.

The following are priorities for TB prevention and control activities among homeless persons:

• First priority:
• Detection, evaluation and reporting of homeless persons who have current symptoms of TB disease;
• Completion of an appropriate course of treatment by those diagnosed with TB disease.
• Second priority: Screening and preventive therapy for homeless persons who have HIV.
• Third priority: Examination and appropriate treatment of persons with recent TB that has been inadequately treated.
• Fourth priority: Screening and appropriate treatment of persons exposed to an infectious case of TB.
• Fifth priority: Screening and preventive therapy for homeless persons with known medical conditions that increase the risk of TB, e.g. diabetes mellitus.

Related guidelines, laws, rules, and/or regulations:

CDC TB guidelines sorted by category. (Select Homeless.)