SACRAMENTO – Assembly Member Mark DeSaulnier reports that AB 1323, Chapter 24 of the statutes of 2007, was signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Sponsored by the Health Officers Association of California and brought to DeSaulnier by Contra Costa public health nurse Willie Swenson, this law widens the spectrum of available tuberculosis testing methods. 
           
AB 1323 allows for more flexibility then under previous law, which permits only one type of test, the Mantoux intradermal skin test. Newer, more accurate tests have since been developed, and this bill ensures that doctors will have access to the most advanced technology available. AB 1323 allows usage of any test recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and licensed by the Food and Drug Administration. 

“Recent news reports of the infected man who took two airplane flights while contagious have shown that TB is still a public health threat, and there should be flexibility in testing for it,” DeSaulnier said.  “Governor Schwarzenegger’s decision to sign this bill will allow cases of tuberculosis to be swiftly detected and treated.”

Tuberculosis continues to persist throughout the country, and is especially prevalent in minority and immigrant communities. In 2006, twenty states reported increased rates of incidence since the preceding year. Tuberculosis experts feel that broader research, more widespread treatment, and further restrictions on persons testing positive for the disease are needed.  Currently, school employees and most health care employees are required to be tested regularly.

This bill is DeSaulnier’s first piece of legislation to be signed by the Governor.  DeSaulnier was elected to represent the 11th District, the northern portion of Contra Costa County, in November 2006.  Throughout his career, DeSaulnier has pioneered other health-related projects, including a county-wide Women’s Health Program. He also led county measures to fight childhood obesity and strengthen second-hand smoke regulations.