TB in Corrections

CDC Guidance

Summary of CDC Recommendations for Correctional Settings
This CDC web page offers links to at-a-glance recommendations, the 2022 webinar recording on guidance, and recommended actions for TB prevention and care at intake, during incarceration/detention, during pregnancy, and for release planning. It also offers links to full guidance documents. (March 2024)

At-a-Glance: CDC Recommendations for Correctional and Detention Settings Testing, Vaccination, and Treatment for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, TB, and STIs
This 7-page pamphlet summarizes current CDC guidelines and recommendations for testing, vaccination, and treatment of HIV, viral hepatitis, TB, and STIs for persons who are detained or incarcerated and highlights critical public health actions at intake, during incarceration ir detention, at release, and during pregnancy. Links to full-text recommendations are listed at the end of the document. Note that this document does not replace those detailed recommendations. (August 2022)

Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis in Correctional and Detention Facilities: Recommendations from CDC
These guidelines were published in the MMWR Recommendations and Reports. (July 2006)

National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC)

NCCHC Webinar Recording
NCCHC, in conjunction with the American Jail Association, National Sheriffs’ Association, and CDC presented a webinar on the latest CDC recommendations for testing, vaccination, and treatment of HIV, viral hepatitis, TB, and STIs in correctional and detention settings. (September 2022)

Standards Q&A: Right to Refuse Treatment
The NCCHC Standards provide the framework to ensure that systems, policies, and procedures are in place in correctional settings to produce the best outcomes in the most cost-efficient and effective manner.
Developed by leading experts in the fields of health, mental health, law, and corrections, the Standards are NCCHC’s recommendations for managing the delivery of medical and mental health care in correctional systems. There are five editions: for jails, prisons, juvenile facilities, mental health services, and opioid treatment programs. (April 2024)

Correctional Health Newsletter
Among its other publications, the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) publishes a free biweekly e-newsletter, CorrectCare Extra.

Archived National TB Nurse Coalition, Centers of Excellence, and Heartland National TB Center Webinars

Part 1: TB in Corrections: Why Should I Care?”
This webinar explains why TB in correctional settings is still worth talking about. By the end of the webinar, participants should be able to: (1) describe the different types and levels of correctional facilities (e.g., federal, state, local); (2) identify reasons why screening and treating LTBI varies by correctional level and type; and (3) describe 1-2 reasons why TB in corrections is still worth talking about. Sponsor: National TB Nurse Coalition with the Centers of Excellence, and Heartland National TB Center. (September 2024)

Part 2: TB in Corrections — What Can I Do About It?
[recording to be available soon]
This webinar explores proactive, actionable steps you can take — whether you work in corrections or public health — to mitigate the risks of TB in correctional facilities. Learn how you, as an individual, can play a critical role in reducing the spread of TB, protecting both inmates and the broader community. By the end of the webinar, participants should: (1) gain the ability to identify at least two effective methods for assessing the functionality of negative pressure cells, ensuring optimal control of airborne TB risks; and (2) understand the underlying reasons why residents and staff may decline TB screenings, and be equipped with strategies to address and overcome these barriers. Sponsor: National TB Nurse Coalition with the Centers of Excellence, and Heartland National TB Center.(April 2025)

Promoting Continuity of Care after Federal Custody
This webinar was created for public health nurses, nurse case managers, and other healthcare personnel to promote continuity of TB care for patients who pass through the correctional system or federal custody. This webinar covers different types of custody, including federal custody. It discusses tools and tips for locating patients within the system, and provide tips to promote continuity of care on transfer or release. Case studies illustrate some of the challenges faced in ensuring continued continuity of care and discuss possible ways to address these issues. Sponsor: Curry International TB Center with the National TB Nurse Coalition, Centers of Excellence, and Heartland National TB Center. (August 2022)