title: Evaluation of a pharmacist-performed tuberculosis testing initiative in New Mexico.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report experiences of the New Mexico pharmacist tuberculosis (TB) testing program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Community pharmacies in New Mexico interested in participating in the TB testing initiative from March 2011 to August 2013.
  
  
  METHODS
  To expand accessibility of TB testing, New Mexico pharmacists were granted the authority to prescribe, administer, and read tuberculin skin tests (TSTs) in March 2011. To receive this special prescriptive authority, pharmacists had to complete a New Mexico Department of Health training program in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data were collected on the number of TSTs performed and the TST reading follow-up rate. Patient data collected were demographic information, reason for obtaining a TST (e.g., immigration, school, or work), TB risk factors, and TST results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In New Mexico, 43 pharmacists were certified for TB testing during the evaluation period, 25 of whom were actively prescribing and performing TB testing at eight community pharmacies. There were 606 tests administered to 578 patients; 70.9% women, median age 31 years (4-93 years). Employment and school were the main reasons for obtaining a TB test. A total of 578 of 623 (92.8%) patients followed up to have their TSTs read. A total of 18 positive tests (3.1% positivity rate) were identified and appropriate referrals were made.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  New Mexico expanded the scope of practice for pharmacists. Pharmacist-performed TB testing had a valuable public health benefit. TB testing follow-up rates at community pharmacies in New Mexico were high, most likely due to convenient hours, accessible locations, and no required appointments.
authors.forename: Bernadette
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jakeman
authors.forename: Brittni
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gross
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fortune
authors.forename: Sarrah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Babb
authors.forename: Dale
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tinker
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bachyrycz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009516:New Mexico; D010595:Pharmacists; D024382:Professional Role; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D055815:Young Adult