CDC Expands Scope of Medical Exam
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published an interim final rule in October 2008 that changed the “definition of a communicable disease of public health significance, the scope of the medical examination for aliens, and the evaluation criteria for tuberculosis,” the Department of State announced. The definition of communicable disease of public health significance continues to include the previous list of eight specific diseases (including HIV infection) and adds two new disease categories: (1) quarantinable diseases designated by Presidential Executive Order, and (2) diseases that meet the criteria of a public health emergency of international concern, which require notification to the World Heath Organization under revised international health regulations. The scope of the medical examination for certain foreign persons wishing to come to the U.S. has been “amended to incorporate a more flexible, risk-based approach based on medical and epidemiologic factors,” the Department noted.
The Department of State’s notice, sent to all diplomatic and consular posts in November 2008, is available here. Further information from the CDC is available here.
