In response to the state of emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the department adopted emergency rules under RCW 34.05.350 on January 25, 2021, to amend and suspend portions of WAC 388-97-1380. The emergency rules remained in effect until September 23, 2021. The following rule was in effect during that time:

(1) Unless the nursing home decides to defer tuberculosis testing in accordance with subsection (2) of this section, or the resident or staff person is excluded from testing from WAC 388-97-1440, the nursing home must:

(a) Ensure that facility personnel and residents have tuberculosis testing within three days of employment or admission; and

(b) Ensure that facility personnel are tested annually.

(2) The nursing home may defer tuberculosis testing of facility personnel and residents to complete the COVID-19 vaccination process if the nursing home has considered the risks and benefits of such delay and if the delay is consistent with the current centers for disease control and prevention COVID-19 vaccination guidance.

(3) If testing is deferred for a resident or facility staff person, in accordance with subsection (2) of this section, the nursing home must:

(a) Assess the person for symptoms of tuberculosis within three days of employment or admission, and if the person has tuberculosis symptoms, follow WAC 388-97-1560; and

(b) Complete tuberculosis testing in accordance with WAC 388-97-1400 through 388-97-1580 as soon as indicated by the centers for disease control and prevention COVID-19 vaccination guidelines.

(4) For the purposes of WAC 388-97-1360 through 388-97-1580, "person" means facility personnel and residents.