NAC449.5325. Hepatitis B surface antigen: Screening of patients; additional serologic screening.

     1. Each candidate for dialysis at a facility must, if practicable, be screened for the hepatitis B surface antigen before being admitted to the facility. The screening may be performed at any time within 30 days before the person is admitted to the facility.

     2. Additional serologic screening must be based on the antigen or antibody status of the patient, as follows:

     (a) If the patient tests negative for the hepatitis B surface antigen, the facility shall screen the patient at least once each month.

     (b) If the patient tests positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen or anti-hepatitis B surface antigen, the facility may screen the patient less than once each month if the policy of the facility concerning the screening of that patient complies with the provisions of Appendices I and II of the National Surveillance of Dialysis-Associated Diseases in the United States, adopted by reference pursuant to the provisions of NAC 449.5315.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Health by R130-99, eff. 8-1-2001)