PRINT DISCLAIMER: Official version of this document is accessible in the online policy library at https://policyoffice.ku.edu/. Printed copies may not reflect the most recent updates.
DOCUMENT TYPE:
Policy
PURPOSE:
To outline the requirements for Tuberculosis (TB) Prevention and Control.
APPLIES TO:
All in-person KU students, domestic and international.
CAMPUS:
Lawrence, Edwards
DEFINITIONS:
“Tuberculosis” has the meaning specified in K.S.A. 65-116a, and amendments thereto. For the purposes of these regulations, the term "active TB" shall mean a person diagnosed with tuberculosis by a health care provider, and the term "latent TB infection" shall mean a person who is determined by a health care provider to have the bacterium that causes tuberculosis but has not been diagnosed with active TB. K.A.R. 28-1-30(j).
“Student” means an individual who has been admitted to a post secondary educational institution where the course of studies will require physical attendance in a classroom setting with one or more persons. K.A.R. 28-1-30(g).
POLICY STATEMENT:
The University of Kansas is committed to the prevention and control of the spread of Tuberculosis (TB) pursuant to K.S.A. 65-129e, K.S.A. 65-129f and relevant Kansas Department of Health and Environment Regulations.
Domestic Students
All newly enrolled or re-enrolled U.S. students are required to be screened for tuberculosis TB by Watkins Health Services (WHS) upon arrival on campus and prior to enrollment. Screening includes completing a questionnaire. To answer these specific screening questions, students must log into Watkins Patient Portal, where they are prompted to complete the questionnaire upon their first time logging in.
Further testing may be required depending on the initial results of the questionnaire. Students are notified by WHS if further testing is required.
International Students
All newly enrolled or re-enrolled international students are required to be screened and tested for tuberculosis (TB) by Watkins Health Services (WHS) upon arrival on campus and prior to enrollment. All international students are required to complete the entire process for TB screening and subsequent treatment when specified by WHS providers. Screening includes a visit with a WHS provider.
The testing process for international students includes a TB blood test, which is completed during International Student Orientation physicals unless documented results are presented by the student for a blood test performed in the U.S. within the past 12 months of the student’s arrival in the U.S. Results from outside the U.S. cannot be accepted.
TB blood tests performed by WHS are a covered benefit under the KBOR UnitedHealthcare Student Resources insurance plan. Documentation must be presented to WHS by the student for any prior treatment for latent or active TB and a chest X-ray will be required. Chest x-rays are also required for any student with a positive or indeterminate TB blood test unless WHS is presented with documentation for a normal x-ray performed in the U.S. within the past six months.
CONSEQUENCES:
Domestic Students
Failure to complete the TB screening questionnaire or requested further testing will result in an enrollment hold being placed on the student's account. The student will not be able to enroll for the following semester, attend class, or obtain an official academic transcript or diploma until they have completed the TB screening questionnaire and if requested further testing by WHS and the account hold is lifted.
International Students
Failure to participate in the TB screening and testing process will result in a hold being placed on the student’s account and subsequent notification to International Support Services. The student will not be able to enroll for the following semester, attend class, or obtain an official academic transcript or diploma until they have completed the TB screening and testing process and the account hold is lifted.
CONTACT:
Administrative Director
whs-services@ku.edu
785-864-9500
APPROVED BY:
Watkins Health Services Administrative Director
APPROVAL DATE:
2025-09-08
EFFECTIVE DATE:
2025-09-10
REVIEW CYCLE:
1 year
RELATED STATUTES, REGULATIONS, AND/OR POLICIES:
K.S.A. 65-129e
K.A.R. 28-1-30
K.A.R. 28-1-31
K.A.R. 28-1-32
CDC Guidance: Essential Components of TB Control in the United States
CHANGE HISTORY:
09/10/2025: New policy added to Policy Library.