Definitions

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. (MA REG. # 1316, Dated 7-1-16) 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