Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

     Purpose: The amendments to chapter 246-101 WAC add newly identified conditions and remove no longer relevant conditions from the notification lists; clarify laboratory reporting requirements; incorporate references to new technologies; make laboratory, health care provider, and health care facilities notifiable conditions lists consistent; and clarify unclear language.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 246-101-010 Definitions within the notifiable conditions regulations, 246-101-015 Provisional condition notification, 246-101-101 Notifiable conditions and the health care provider, 246-101-105 Duties of the health care provider, 246-101-110 Means of notification, 246-101-115 Content of notifications, 246-101-120 Handling of case reports and medical information, 246-101-201 Notifiable conditions and laboratories, 246-101-205 Responsibilities and duties of the laboratory director, 246-101-210 Means of specimen submission, 246-101-215 Content of documentation accompanying specimen submission, 246-101-220 Means of notification for positive cultures or preliminary test results, 246-101-225 Content of notifications for positive cultures or preliminary test results, 246-101-230 Handling of case reports and medical information, 246-101-301 Notifiable conditions and health care facilities, 246-101-305 Duties of the health care facility, 246-101-310 Means of notification, 246-101-315 Content of notifications, 246-101-320 Handling of case reports and medical information, 246-101-405 Responsibilities of veterinarians, 246-101-410 Responsibilities of food service establishments, 246-101-415 Responsibilities of child day care facilities, 246-101-420 Responsibilities of schools, 246-101-425 Responsibilities of the general public, 246-101-505 Duties of the local health officer or the local health department, 246-101-510 Means of notification, 246-101-515 Handling of case reports and medical information, 246-101-605 Duties of the department, 246-101-610 Handling of case reports and medical information, 246-101-615 Requirements for data dissemination, 246-101-625 Content of notifications to the department of labor and industries, 246-101-701 Notifiable conditions and the department of labor and industries, and 246-101-725 Requirements for notification to the department of health.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 43.20.050.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 10-20-155 on October 6, 2010.

     Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: 1. In WAC 246-101-101, Table HC-1 and 246-101-301, Table HF-1, the condition "Animal Bites," previously proposed to be dropped, has instead been retained and revised to say "Animal Bites (when human exposure to rabies is suspected)."

     2. In WAC 246-101-101, Table HC-1 and 246-101-301, Table HF-1, the description of the proposed condition "Rabies, suspected human exposure (suspected human rabies exposures due to a bite from or other exposure to an animal that is a local rabies reservoir species or suspected of being infected with rabies)" was revised to omit the phrase "a local rabies reservoir species" for the purpose of focusing on the suspicion of rabies in any of many possible scenarios.

     3. In WAC 246-101-210, instructions to send King County specimens to the Public Health Seattle and King County (PHSKC) Laboratory, as well as the PHSKC Laboratory address, have been removed per stakeholder request.

     4. In WAC 246-101-405, the proposed text of subsections (2) and (3) was revised to clarify the role of the department of health and the department of agriculture in managing information related to animal cases of zoonotic diseases.

     A final cost-benefit analysis is available by contacting Tracy Sandifer, 1610 N.E. 150th Street, Mailstop K17-9, Shoreline, WA 98155, phone (206) 418-5558, fax (206) 418-5515, e-mail tracy.sandifer@doh.wa.gov.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 3, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 33, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 33, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 33, Repealed 0.

     Date Adopted: November 10, 2010.

Craig McLaughlin

Executive Director

OTS-3653.4

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 00-23-120, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00)

WAC 246-101-010   Definitions within the notifiable conditions regulations.   The following definitions apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this chapter:

     (1) "Associated death" means a death resulting directly or indirectly from the confirmed condition of influenza or varicella. There should be no period of complete recovery between the illness and death.

     (2) "Blood lead level" means a measurement of lead content in whole blood.

     (((2))) (3) "Board" means the Washington state board of health.

     (((3))) (4) "Carrier" means a person harboring a specific infectious agent and serving as a potential source of infection to others.

     (((4))) (5) "Case" means a person, alive or dead, diagnosed with a particular disease or condition by a health care provider with diagnosis based on clinical or laboratory criteria or both.

     (((5))) (6) "Child day care facility" means an agency regularly providing care for a group of children for less than twenty-four hours a day and subject to licensing under chapter 74.15 RCW.

     (((6))) (7) "Condition notifiable within three ((work)) business days" means a notifiable condition that must be reported to the local health officer or the department within three ((working)) business days following date of diagnosis. For example, if a condition notifiable within three ((work)) business days is diagnosed on a Friday afternoon, the report must be submitted by the following Wednesday.

     (((7))) (8) "Communicable disease" means a disease caused by an infectious agent ((which)) that can be transmitted from one person, animal, or object to another person by direct or indirect means including transmission ((via)) through an intermediate host or vector, food, water, or air.

     (((8) "Communicable disease cluster" means two or more cases of a confirmed or suspected communicable disease with a suspected common source diagnosed or exposed within a twenty-four hour period.))

     (9) "Contact" means a person exposed to an infected person, animal, or contaminated environment that may lead to infection.

     (10) "Department" means the Washington state department of health.

     (11) "Disease of suspected bioterrorism origin" means a disease caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or toxins from living organisms that are used to produce death or disease in humans, animals, or plants. Many of these diseases may have nonspecific presenting symptoms. The following situations could represent a possible bioterrorism event and should be reported immediately to the local health department:

     (a) A single diagnosed or strongly suspected case of disease caused by an uncommon agent or a potential agent of bioterrorism occurring in a patient with no known risk factors;

     (b) A cluster of patients presenting with a similar syndrome that includes unusual disease characteristics or unusually high morbidity or mortality without obvious etiology; or

     (c) Unexplained increase in a common syndrome above seasonally expected levels.

     (12) "Elevated blood lead level" means blood lead levels equal to or greater than 25 micrograms per deciliter for persons aged fifteen years or older, or equal to or greater than 10 micrograms per deciliter in children less than fifteen years of age.

     (13) "Emerging condition with outbreak potential" means a newly identified condition with potential for person-to-person transmission.

     (14) "Food service establishment" means a place, location, operation, site, or facility where food is manufactured, prepared, processed, packaged, dispensed, distributed, sold, served, or offered to the consumer regardless of whether or not compensation for food occurs.

     (((14))) (15) "Health care-associated infection" means an infection acquired in a health care facility.

     (16) "Health care facility" means:

     (a) Any ((facility or institution)) boarding home licensed under chapter 18.20 RCW((, Boarding homes)); birthing center licensed under chapter 18.46 RCW((, Birthing centers)); nursing home licensed under chapter 18.51 RCW((, Nursing homes)); hospital licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW((, Hospitals)); adult family home licensed under chapter 70.128 RCW((, Adult family homes)); ambulatory surgical facility licensed under chapter 70.230 RCW; or private establishment licensed under chapter 71.12 RCW((, Private establishments));

     (b) Clinics, or other settings where one or more health care providers practice; and

     (c) In reference to a sexually transmitted disease, other settings as defined in chapter 70.24 RCW.

     (((15))) (17) "Health care provider" means any person having direct or supervisory responsibility for the delivery of health care who is:

     (a) Licensed or certified in this state under Title 18 RCW; or

     (b) Military personnel providing health care within the state regardless of licensure.

     (((16))) (18) "Health care services to the patient" means treatment, consultation, or intervention for patient care.

     (((17))) (19) "Health carrier" means a disability insurer regulated under chapter 48.20 or 48.21 RCW, a health care service contractor as defined in RCW 48.44.010, or a health maintenance organization as defined in RCW 48.46.020.

     (((18))) (20) "HIV testing" means conducting a laboratory test or sequence of tests to detect the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or antibodies to HIV performed in accordance with requirements to WAC 246-100-207. To assure that the protection, including, but not limited to, pre- and post-test counseling, consent, and confidentiality afforded to HIV testing as described in chapter 246-100 WAC also applies to the enumeration of CD4 + (T4) lymphocyte counts (CD4 + counts) and CD4 + (T4) percents of total lymphocytes (CD4 + percents) when used to diagnose HIV infection, CD4 + counts and CD4 + percents will be presumed HIV testing except when shown by clear and convincing evidence to be for use in the following circumstances:

     (a) Monitoring previously diagnosed infection with HIV;

     (b) Monitoring organ or bone marrow transplants;

     (c) Monitoring chemotherapy;

     (d) Medical research; or

     (e) Diagnosis or monitoring of congenital immunodeficiency states or autoimmune states not related to HIV.

     The burden of proving the existence of one or more of the circumstances identified in (a) through (e) of this subsection shall be on the person asserting the existence.

     (((19))) (21) "Immediately notifiable condition" means a notifiable condition of urgent public health importance, a case or suspected case of which must be reported to the local health officer or the department ((immediately)) without delay at the time of diagnosis or suspected diagnosis, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

     (((20))) (22) "Infection control measures" means the management of infected persons, or of a person suspected to be infected, and others in a manner to prevent transmission of the infectious agent.

     (((21))) (23) "Institutional review board" means any board, committee, or other group formally designated by an institution, or authorized under federal or state law, to review, approve the initiation of, or conduct periodic review of research programs to assure the protection of the rights and welfare of human research subjects as defined in RCW 70.02.010.

     (((22))) (24) "Isolation" means the separation or restriction of activities of infected individuals, or of persons suspected to be infected, from other persons to prevent transmission of the infectious agent.

     (((23))) (25) "Laboratory" means any facility licensed as a medical test site under chapter 70.42 RCW.

     (((24))) (26) "Laboratory director" means the director or manager, by whatever title known, having the administrative responsibility in any licensed medical test site.

     (((25))) (27) "Local health department" means the city, town, county, or district agency providing public health services to persons within the area, established under chapters 70.05, 70.08, and 70.46 RCW.

     (((26))) (28) "Local health officer" means the individual having been appointed under chapter 70.05 RCW as the health officer for the local health department, or having been appointed under chapter 70.08 RCW as the director of public health of a combined city-county health department.

     (((27))) (29) "Member of the general public" means any person present within the boundary of the state of Washington.

     (((28))) (30) "Monthly notifiable condition" means a notifiable condition which must be reported to the local health officer or the department within one month of diagnosis.

     (((29) "Nosocomial infection" means an infection acquired in a hospital or other health care facility.

     (30))) (31) "Notifiable condition" means a disease or condition of public health importance, a case of which, and for certain diseases, a suspected case of which, must be brought to the attention of the local health officer or the state health officer.

     (((31))) (32) "Other rare diseases of public health significance" means a disease or condition, of general or international public health concern, which is occasionally or not ordinarily seen in the state of Washington including, but not limited to, ((viral hemorrhagic fevers, Rocky Mountain)) spotted fever((,)) rickettsiosis, babesiosis, tick paralysis, anaplasmosis, and other tick borne diseases. This also includes ((a)) public health events of international concern and communicable diseases that would be of general public concern if detected in Washington.

     (((32))) (33) "Outbreak" means the occurrence of cases or suspected cases of a disease or condition in any area over a given period of time in excess of the expected number of cases.

     (((33))) (34) "Patient" means a case, suspected case, or contact.

     (((34))) (35) "Pesticide poisoning" means the disturbance of function, damage to structure, or illness in humans resulting from the inhalation, absorption, ingestion of, or contact with any pesticide.

     (((35))) (36) "Principal health care provider" means the attending health care provider recognized as primarily responsible for diagnosis or treatment of a patient, or in the absence of such, the health care provider initiating diagnostic testing or treatment for the patient.

     (((36))) (37) "Public health authorities" means local health departments, the state health department, and the department of labor and industries personnel charged with administering provisions of this chapter.

     (((37))) (38) "Quarantine" means the separation or restriction on activities of an individual having been exposed to or infected with an infectious agent, to prevent disease transmission.

     (((38))) (39) "School" means a facility for programs of education as defined in RCW 28A.210.070 (preschool and kindergarten through grade twelve).

     (((39))) (40) "Sexually transmitted disease (STD)" means a bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic disease or condition which is usually transmitted through sexual contact, including:

     (a) Acute pelvic inflammatory disease;

     (b) Chancroid;

     (c) Chlamydia trachomatis infection;

     (d) Genital and neonatal Herpes simplex;

     (e) Genital human papilloma virus infection;

     (f) Gonorrhea;

     (g) Granuloma inguinale;

     (h) Hepatitis B infection;

     (i) Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS);

     (j) Lymphogranuloma venereum;

     (k) Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU); and

     (l) Syphilis.

     (((40))) (41) "State health officer" means the person designated by the secretary of the department to serve as statewide health officer, or, in the absence of this designation, the person having primary responsibility for public health matters in the state.

     (((41))) (42) "Suspected case" means a person whose diagnosis is thought likely to be a particular disease or condition with suspected diagnosis based on signs and symptoms, laboratory evidence, or both.

     (((42))) (43) "Third-party payor" means an insurer regulated under Title 48 RCW authorized to transact business in this state or other jurisdiction((,)) including a health care service contractor((,)) and health maintenance organization((; or)), an employee welfare benefit plan((;)), or a state or federal health benefit program as defined in RCW 70.02.010.

     (((43))) (44) "Unexplained critical illness or death" means cases of illness or death with infectious hallmarks but no known etiology, in previously healthy persons one to forty-nine years of age excluding those with chronic medical conditions (e.g., malignancy, diabetes, AIDS, cirrhosis).

     (((44))) (45) "Veterinarian" means an individual licensed and practicing under provisions of chapter 18.92 RCW, Veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry ((and practicing animal health care)).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 00-23-120, § 246-101-010, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (1) The state health officer may:

     (a) Request reporting of cases and suspected cases of disease and conditions in addition to those required in Tables HC-1 of WAC 246-101-101, Lab-1 of WAC 246-101-201, and HF-1 of WAC 246-101-301 on a provisional basis for a period of time less than forty-eight months when:

     (i) The disease or condition is newly recognized or recently acknowledged as a public health concern;

     (ii) Epidemiological investigation based on notification of cases may contribute to understanding of the disease or condition;

     (iii) There is reason to expect that the information acquired through notification will assist the state and/or local health department to design or implement intervention strategies that will result in an improvement in public health; and

     (iv) Written notification is provided to all local health officers regarding:

     (A) Additional reporting requirements; and

     (B) Rationale or justification for specifying the disease or condition as notifiable.

     (b) Request laboratories to submit specimens indicative of infections in addition to those required in Table Lab-1 of WAC 246-101-201 on a provisional basis for a period of time less than forty-eight months, if:

     (i) The infection is of public health concern;

     (ii) The department has a plan for using data gathered from the specimens; and

     (iii) Written notification is provided to all local health officers and all laboratory directors explaining:

     (A) Actions required; and

     (B) Reason for the addition.

     (2) Within forty months of the state health officer's designation of a condition as provisionally notifiable in subsection (1)(a) of this section, or requests for laboratories to submit specimens indicative of infections in subsection (((2))) (1)(b) of this section, the department will conduct an evaluation for the notification requirement that:

     (a) Estimates the societal cost resulting from the provisionally notifiable condition;

     (i) Determine the prevalence of the provisional notifiable condition; and

     (ii) Identify the quantifiable costs resulting from the provisionally notifiable condition; and

     (iii) Discuss the qualitative costs resulting from the provisionally notifiable condition.

     (b) Describes how the information was used and how it will continue to be used to design and implement intervention strategies aimed at combating the provisionally notifiable condition;

     (c) Verifies the effectiveness of previous intervention strategies at reducing the incidence, morbidity, or mortality of the provisional notifiable condition;

     (d) Identifies the quantitative and qualitative costs of the provisional notification requirement;

     (e) Compares the costs of the provisional notification requirement with the estimated cost savings resulting from the intervention based on the information provided through the provisional notification requirement;

     (f) Describes the effectiveness and utility of using the notifiable conditions process as a mechanism to collect these data; and

     (g) Describes that a less burdensome data collection system (example: Biennial surveys) would not provide the information needed to effectively establish and maintain the intervention strategies.

     (3) Based upon the evaluation in subsection (2) of this section, the board will assess results of the evaluation after the particular condition is notifiable or the requirement for laboratories to submit specimens indicative of infections has been in place for no longer than forty months. The board will determine based upon the results of the evaluation whether the provisionally notifiable condition or the requirement for laboratories to submit specimens indicative of infections should be:

     (a) Permanently notifiable in the same manner as the provisional notification requirement;

     (b) Permanently notifiable in a manner that would use the evaluation results to redesign the notification requirements; or

     (c) Deleted from the notifiable conditions system.

     (4) The department shall have the authority to declare an emergency and institute notification requirements under the provisions of RCW 34.05.350.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70.24.125. 05-03-055, § 246-101-015, filed 1/11/05, effective 2/11/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 00-23-120, § 246-101-015, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (1) Principal health care providers shall notify public health authorities of ((these)) the conditions identified in Table HC-1 of this section as individual case reports ((using procedures described throughout this chapter)) following the requirements in WAC 246-101-105, 246-101-110, 246-101-115, and 246-101-120.

     (2) Other health care providers in attendance, other than the principal health care provider, shall notify public health authorities of the ((following notifiable)) conditions((,)) identified in Table HC-1 of this section unless the condition notification has already been made.

     (3) Local health officers may require additional conditions to be notifiable within the local health officer's jurisdiction.

     ((WAC 246-101-105, 246-101-110, 246-101-115, and 246-101-120 also include requirements for how notifications shall be made, when they shall be made, the content of these notifications, and how information regarding notifiable conditions cases must be handled and may be disclosed.))

Table HC-1 (Conditions Notifiable by Health Care Providers)

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70.24.125. 05-03-055, § 246-101-101, filed 1/11/05, effective 2/11/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70.24.125 and 70.28.010. 00-23-120, § 246-101-101, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (1) Notify the local health department where the patient resides ((()), or, in the event that patient residence cannot be determined, ((notify)) the local health department ((where)) in which the health care providers practice(())), regarding:

     (a) Cases or suspected cases of notifiable conditions specified as notifiable to local health departments in Table HC-1 of WAC 246-101-101;

     (b) Cases of conditions designated as notifiable by the local health officer within that health officer's jurisdiction;

     (c) Outbreaks or suspected outbreaks of disease((. These patterns include)) including, but ((are)) not limited to, suspected or confirmed outbreaks of ((chickenpox)) varicella, influenza, viral meningitis, ((nosocomial)) health care-associated infection suspected due to contaminated food products or devices, or environmentally related disease;

     (d) Known barriers which might impede or prevent compliance with orders for infection control or quarantine; and

     (e) Name, address, and other pertinent information for any case, suspected case or carrier refusing to comply with prescribed infection control measures.

     (2) Notify the department ((of health)) of conditions designated as notifiable to the local health department when:

     (a) A local health department is closed or representatives of the local health department are unavailable at the time a case or suspected case of an immediately notifiable condition occurs;

     (b) A local health department is closed or representatives of the local health department are unavailable at the time an outbreak or suspected outbreak of communicable disease occurs.

     (3) Notify the department of pesticide poisoning that is fatal, causes hospitalization or occurs in a cluster.

     (4) Notify the department ((as specified in Table HC-1)) regarding cases of notifiable conditions specified as notifiable to the department in Table HC-1 of WAC 246-101-101.

     (5) Assure that positive ((cultures and)) preliminary test results and positive final test results for notifiable conditions of specimens referred to laboratories outside of Washington for testing are correctly notified to the local health department of the patient's residence or the department as specified in Table Lab-1 of WAC 246-101-201. This requirement can be satisfied by:

     (a) Arranging for the referral laboratory to notify either the local health department, the department, or both; or

     (b) Forwarding the notification of the test result from the referral laboratory to the local health department, the department, or both.

     (6) Cooperate with public health authorities during investigation of:

     (a) Circumstances of a case or suspected case of a notifiable condition or other communicable disease; and

     (b) An outbreak or suspected outbreak of disease.

     (7) Provide adequate and understandable instruction in disease control measures to each patient who has been diagnosed with a case of a communicable disease, and to contacts who may have been exposed to the disease.

     (8) Maintain responsibility for deciding date of discharge for hospitalized tuberculosis patients.

     (9) Notify the local health officer of intended discharge of tuberculosis patients in order to assure appropriate outpatient arrangements are arranged.

     (10) By July 1, 2011, when ordering a laboratory test for a notifiable condition as identified in Table HC-1 of WAC 246-101-101, providers must provide the laboratory with the following information for each test order:

     (a) Patient name;

     (b) Patient address including zip code;

     (c) Patient date of birth;

     (d) Patient sex;

     (e) Name of the principal health care provider;

     (f) Telephone number of the principal health care provider;

     (g) Type of test requested;

     (h) Type of specimen;

     (i) Date of ordering specimen collection.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.104.030. 00-23-120, § 246-101-105, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (a))) Health care providers shall adhere to the following timelines and procedures:

     (1) Conditions designated as immediately notifiable must be reported ((by telephone or by secure facsimile copy of a written case report)) to the local health officer or the department, as specified in Table HC-1((;

     (b))) of WAC 246-101-101, immediately as the time of diagnosis or suspected diagnosis. This applies twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Each local health jurisdiction, as well as the department, maintains after-hours emergency phone contacts for this purpose. A party sending a report by secure facsimile copy or secure electronic transmission during normal business hours must confirm immediate receipt by a live person.

     (2) Conditions designated as notifiable within twenty-four hours must be reported to the local health officer or the department, as specified in Table HC-1 of WAC 246-101-101, within twenty-four hours of diagnosis or suspected diagnosis, seven days a week. Reports during normal public health business hours may be sent by secure electronic transmission, telephone, or secure facsimile copy of a case report. A party sending a report outside of normal public health business hours must use the after-hours emergency phone contact for the appropriate jurisdiction.

     (3) Conditions designated as notifiable within three ((working)) business days must be reported to the local health officer or department, as specified in Table HC-1 of WAC 246-101-101, within three business days. Notification may be sent by written case report, secure electronic transmission, telephone, or secure facsimile copy ((to the local health officer or department as specified in Table HC-1)) of a case report; and

     (((c))) (4) Conditions designated as notifiable on a monthly basis must be reported to the local health officer or the department, as specified in Table HC-1 of WAC 246-101-101, on a monthly basis. Notification may be sent by written case report, secure electronic transmission, telephone, or secure facsimile copy ((to the local health officer or the department as specified in Table HC-1.

     (2) The local health officer may authorize notifications by telephone or secure electronic transmission for cases and suspected cases of notifiable conditions specified as notifiable to local health departments.

     (3) The state health officer may authorize notifications by telephone or secure electronic transmission for cases and suspected cases of notifiable conditions specified as notifiable to the department)) of a case report.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70.24.125, 70.28.010 and 70.104.030. 00-23-120, § 246-101-110, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (a) Patient name;

     (b) Patient address;

     (c) Patient telephone number;

     (d) Patient date of birth;

     (e) Patient sex;

     (f) Diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of disease or condition;

     (g) Pertinent laboratory data, if available;

     (h) Name ((and address or telephone number)) of the principal health care provider;

     (i) Telephone number of the principal health care provider;

     (j) Address of the principal health care provider;

     (k) Name and ((address or)) telephone number of the person providing the report; and

     (((j))) (l) Other information as the department may require on forms generated by the department.

     (2) The local health officer or state health officer may require other information of epidemiological or public health value.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 43.70.545, 70.24.125, 70.28.010 and 70.104.030. 00-23-120, § 246-101-115, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (2) Health care providers who know of a person with a notifiable condition, other than a sexually transmitted disease, shall release identifying information only to other individuals responsible for protecting the health and well-being of the public through control of disease, including the local health department.

     (3) Health care providers with knowledge of a person with sexually transmitted disease, and following the basic principles of health care providers, which respect the human dignity and confidentiality of patients:

     (a) May disclose the identity of a person or release identifying information only as specified in RCW 70.24.105; and

     (b) Shall under RCW 70.24.105(6), use only the following customary methods for exchange of medical information:

     (i) Health care providers may exchange medical information related to HIV testing, HIV test results, and confirmed HIV or confirmed STD diagnosis and treatment in order to provide health care services to the patient. This means that information shared impacts the care or treatment decisions concerning the patient; and the health care provider requires the information for the patient's benefit.

     (ii) Health care providers responsible for office management are authorized to permit access to a patient's medical information and medical record by medical staff or office staff to carry out duties required for care and treatment of a patient and the management of medical information and the patient's medical record.

     (c) Health care providers conducting a clinical HIV research project shall report the identity of an individual participating in the project unless:

     (i) The project has been approved by an institutional review board; and

     (ii) The project has a system in place to remind referring health care providers of their reporting obligations under this chapter.

     (4) Health care providers shall establish and implement policies and procedures to maintain confidentiality related to a patient's medical information.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 70.104.030. 00-23-120, § 246-101-120, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (1) Laboratory directors ((must)) shall notify public health authorities of positive ((cultures and)) preliminary test results and positive final test results of the conditions identified in Table Lab-1 of this section as individual case reports and provide specimen submissions ((using procedures described throughout this chapter)) following the requirements in WAC 246-101-205, 246-101-210, 246-101-215, 246-101-220, 246-101-225, and 246-101-230.

     (2) Local health officers may require additional conditions to be notifiable within the local health officer's jurisdiction.

     ((WAC 246-101-205, 246-101-210, 246-101-215, 246-101-220, 246-101-225, and 246-101-230 also include requirements for how notifications and specimen submissions are made, when they are made, the content of these notifications and specimen submissions, and how information regarding notifiable conditions cases must be handled and may be disclosed.))

Table Lab-1 (Conditions Notifiable by Laboratory Directors)

     (1))) (3) The local health department may request laboratory reporting of additional test results pertinent to an investigation of a notifiable condition (e.g., hepatocellular enzyme levels for hepatitis or negative stool test results on salmonellosis rescreening).

     (4) Laboratory directors may notify ((either)) the local health department((s or)), the department, or both of other laboratory results ((through cooperative agreement.

     (2) Laboratory directors may submit malaria cultures to the state public health laboratories)).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.24.125. 06-16-117, § 246-101-201, filed 8/1/06, effective 9/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70.24.125. 05-03-055, § 246-101-201, filed 1/11/05, effective 2/11/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70.24.125 and 70.28.010. 00-23-120, § 246-101-201, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (((1))) (a) Notify the local health department where the patient resides ((()), or, in the event that patient residence cannot be determined, ((notify)) the local health department ((where)) in which the ordering health care provider practices, or the local health department in which the laboratory ((is located))) operates, regarding:

     (((a))) (i) Positive ((cultures and)) preliminary test results and positive final test results of notifiable conditions specified as notifiable to the local health department in Table Lab-1.

     (((b))) (ii) Positive ((cultures and)) preliminary test results and positive final test results of conditions specified as notifiable by the local health officer within that health officer's jurisdiction.

     (((2) If the laboratory is unable to determine the local health department of the patient's residence, the laboratory director shall notify the local health department in which the health care provider that ordered the laboratory test is located.

     (3))) (b) Notify the department ((of health)) of conditions designated as notifiable to the local health department when:

     (((a))) (i) A local health department is closed or representatives of the local health department are unavailable at the time a positive ((culture or)) preliminary test result or positive final test result((s)) of an immediately notifiable condition occurs; or

     (((b))) (ii) A local health department is closed or representatives of the local health department are unavailable at the time an outbreak or suspected outbreak of communicable disease occurs.

     (((4))) (c) Notify the department of positive ((cultures and)) preliminary test results or positive final test results for conditions designated notifiable to the department in Table Lab-1.

     (((5))) (d) Notify the department of nonelevated blood lead levels on a monthly basis.

     (((6))) (e) Submit specimens for conditions noted in Table Lab-1 to the Washington state public health laboratories or other laboratory designated by the state health officer for diagnosis, confirmation, storage, or further testing.

     (((7))) (f) Ensure that positive ((cultures and)) preliminary test results and positive final test results for notifiable conditions of specimens referred to other laboratories for testing are correctly notified to the correct local health department or the department. This requirement can be satisfied by:

     (((a))) (i) Arranging for the referral laboratory to notify either the local health department, the department, or both; or

     (((b))) (ii) Forwarding the notification of the test result from the referral laboratory to the local health department, the department, or both.

     (((8))) (g) Cooperate with public health authorities during investigation of:

     (((a))) (i) Circumstances of a case or suspected case of a notifiable condition or other communicable disease; and

     (((b))) (ii) An outbreak or suspected outbreak of disease.

     (((9))) (2) Laboratory directors may designate responsibility for working and cooperating with public health authorities to certain employees as long as designated employees are:

     (a) Readily available; and

     (b) Able to provide requested information in a timely manner.

     (3) By July 1, 2011, when referring a specimen to another laboratory for a test for a notifiable condition, laboratory directors shall provide the laboratory with the following information for each test referral:

     (a) Patient name;

     (b) Full address of patient, or patient zip code at a minimum, when available in laboratory data base;

     (c) Date of birth or age of patient, when available in laboratory data base;

     (d) Sex of patient, when available in laboratory data base;

     (e) Name of the principal health care provider;

     (f) Telephone number of the principal health care provider;

     (g) Address of the principal health care provider, when available;

     (h) Type of test requested;

     (i) Type of specimen; and

     (j) Date of specimen collection.

     (4) By January 1, 2013, laboratory data bases must have the ability to receive, store, and retrieve all of the data elements specified in subsection (3)(a) through (j) of this section.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 00-23-120, § 246-101-205, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     Seattle, WA 98155)) adhere to the following timelines and procedures:

     (a) Specimens designated for submission within two business days must be in transit within two business days from the time the specimen is ready for packaging;

     (b) Specimens designated for submission on request may be requested by the local health departments or the department. The laboratory shall ship a requested specimen within two business days of receiving the request, provided the specimen is still available at the time of the request. This is not intended to require laboratories to save specimens indefinitely in anticipation of a request.

     (2) Local health jurisdictions may temporarily waive specimen submission for circumstances at their discretion by communication with individual laboratories.

     (3) Laboratories ((located outside of King County)) shall forward all required specimen submissions to:

     Washington State Public Health Laboratories

     Washington State Department of Health

     1610 NE 150th Street

     ((Seattle)) Shoreline, WA 98155

     (4) The state health officer may designate additional laboratories as public health referral laboratories.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70.24.125 and 70.28.010. 00-23-120, § 246-101-210, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (1) Type of specimen tested;

     (2) Name of reporting laboratory;

     (3) Telephone number of reporting laboratory;

     (4) Date of specimen ((collected)) collection;

     (5) Requesting health care provider's name;

     (6) Requesting health care provider's phone number ((or address, or both));

     (7) Requesting health care provider's address, when available;

     (8) Test result;

     (((8))) (9) Name of patient (((if available), or patient identifier otherwise));

     (((9))) (10) Sex of patient (((if)), when available(())) in laboratory data base;

     (((10))) (11) Date of birth or age of patient (((if)), when available(())) in laboratory data base;

     (((11))) (12) Full address of patient (((if)), or patient zip code at a minimum, when available(())) in laboratory data base;

     (((12))) (13) Telephone number of patient (((if)), when available(())) in laboratory data base;

     (((13))) (14) Other information of epidemiological value (((if)), when available(())).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70.24.125 and 70.28.010. 00-23-120, § 246-101-215, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (a))) Laboratory directors shall adhere to the following timelines and procedures:

     (1) Conditions designated as immediately notifiable must be reported to the local health officer or the department, as specified in Table Lab-1 of WAC 246-101-201, immediately at the time of positive preliminary test result or positive final test result. This applies twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Each local health jurisdiction, as well as the department, maintains after-hours emergency telephone contacts for this purpose. A party sending notification by secure facsimile copy or secure electronic transmission during normal business hours must confirm immediate receipt by a live person.

     (2) Conditions designated as notifiable within twenty-four hours must be reported to the local health officer or the department, as specified in Table Lab-1 of WAC 246-101-201, within twenty-four hours of positive preliminary test result or positive final test result, seven days a week. Reports during normal public health business hours may be sent by secure electronic transmission, telephone, or secure facsimile copy of a case report. A party sending a report outside of normal public health business hours must use the after-hours emergency phone contact for the appropriate jurisdiction.

     (3) Conditions designated as notifiable within two business days must be reported to the local health officer or the department, as specified in Table Lab-1 of WAC 246-101-201, within two business days. Notification may be sent by ((written case report)) secure electronic transmission, telephone, or secure facsimile copy ((to the local health officer or the department as specified in Table Lab-1 within two working days)) of a case report; and

     (((b))) (4) Conditions designated as notifiable on a monthly basis must be reported to the local health officer or the department, as specified in Table Lab-1 of WAC 246-101-201, on a monthly basis. Notification may be sent by written case report, secure electronic transmission, telephone, or secure facsimile copy ((to the local health officer or the department as specified in Table Lab-1.

     (2) The local health officer may authorize notifications by telephone or secure electronic transmission for cases and suspected cases of notifiable conditions specified as notifiable to local health departments.

     (3) The state health officer may authorize notifications by telephone or secure electronic transmission for cases and suspected cases of notifiable conditions specified as notifiable to the department)) of a case report.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70.24.125 and 70.28.010. 00-23-120, § 246-101-220, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (a) Type of specimen tested;

     (b) Name of reporting laboratory;

     (c) Telephone number of reporting laboratory;

     (d) Date of specimen ((collected)) collection;

     (e) Date specimen received by reporting laboratory;

     (f) Requesting health care provider's name;

     (g) Requesting health care provider's phone number ((or address, or both));

     (h) Requesting health care provider's address, when available;

     (i) Test result;

     (((i))) (j) Name of patient (((if available), or patient identifier otherwise));

     (((j))) (k) Sex of patient (((if)), when available(())) in laboratory data base;

     (((k))) (l) Date of birth or age of patient (((if)), when available(())) in laboratory data base; and

     (((l) Other information of epidemiological value (if available).)) (m) Full address of patient, or patient zip code at a minimum, when available in laboratory data base.

     (2) Local health officers and the state health officer may require laboratory directors to report other information of epidemiological or public health value.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 43.70.545, 70.24.125 and 70.28.010. 00-23-120, § 246-101-225, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (2) Laboratory directors shall establish and implement policies and procedures to maintain confidentiality related to a patient's medical information.

     (3) Laboratory directors and personnel working in laboratories who know of a person with a notifiable condition, other than a sexually transmitted disease, shall release identifying information only to other individuals responsible for protecting the health and well-being of the public through control of disease.

     (4) Laboratory directors and personnel working in laboratories with knowledge of a person with sexually transmitted disease, and following the basic principles of health care providers, which respect the human dignity and confidentiality of patients:

     (a) May disclose identity of a person or release identifying information only as specified in RCW 70.24.105; and

     (b) Shall under RCW 70.24.105(6), use only the following customary methods for exchange of medical information:

     (i) Laboratory directors and personnel working in laboratories may exchange medical information related to HIV testing, HIV test results, and confirmed HIV or confirmed STD diagnosis and treatment in order to provide health care services to the patient. This means that information shared impacts the care or treatment decisions concerning the patient; and the laboratory director or personnel working in the laboratory require((s)) the information for the patient's benefit.

     (ii) Laboratory directors are authorized to permit access to a patient's medical information and medical record by laboratory staff or office staff to carry out duties required for care and treatment of a patient ((and)), the management of medical information, and the management of the patient's medical record.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 00-23-120, § 246-101-230, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (1) Health care facilities ((are required to)) shall notify public health authorities of cases that occur in their facilities of the conditions identified in Table HF-1 of this section following the requirements in WAC 246-101-305, 246-101-310, 246-101-315, and 246-101-320. This is not intended to require health care facilities to confirm the absence of conditions listed in Table HF-1 in facility patients.

     (2) Health care facilities may choose to assume the notification for their health care providers for conditions designated in Table HF-1 of this section.

     (3) Health care facilities may not assume the reporting requirements of laboratories that are components of the health care facility.

     (4) Local health officers may require additional conditions to be notifiable within the local health officer's jurisdiction.

     ((WAC 246-101-305, 246-101-310, 246-101-315, and 246-101-320 also include requirements for how notifications shall be made, when they are made, the content of these notifications, and how information regarding notifiable conditions cases must be handled and may be disclosed.))

Table HF-1 (Conditions Notifiable by Health Care Facilities)

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70.24.125. 05-03-055, § 246-101-301, filed 1/11/05, effective 2/11/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 43.70.545, 70.24.125, 70.28.010 and 70.104.030. 00-23-120, § 246-101-301, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (((1))) (a) Notify the local health department where the patient resides ((()), or, in the event that patient residence cannot be determined, ((notify)) the local health department where the health care facility is located(())), regarding:

     (((a))) (i) Cases of notifiable conditions specified as notifiable to the local health department in Table HF-1 of WAC 246-101-301 that occur or are treated in the health care facility.

     (((b))) (ii) Cases of conditions specified as notifiable by the local health officer within that health officer's jurisdiction that occur or are treated in the health care facility.

     (((c))) (iii) Suspected cases of notifiable conditions for conditions that are designated immediately notifiable in Table HF-1 of WAC 246-101-301 that occur or are treated in the health care facility.

     (((d))) (iv) Outbreaks or suspected outbreaks of disease that occur or are treated in the health care facility((. These patterns include)) including, but ((are)) not limited to, suspected or confirmed outbreaks of ((chickenpox)) varicella, influenza, viral meningitis, ((nosocomial)) health care-associated infection suspected due to contaminated products or devices, or environmentally related disease. ((Reports of outbreaks and suspected outbreaks of disease are to be made to the local health officer.

     (e))) (v) Known barriers which might impede or prevent compliance with orders for infection control or quarantine; and

     (((f))) (vi) Name, address, and other pertinent information for any case, suspected case or carrier refusing to comply with prescribed infection control measures.

     (((2))) (b) Notify the department ((of health)) of conditions designated as notifiable to the local health department when:

     (((a))) (i) A local health department is closed or representatives of the local health department are unavailable at the time a case or suspected case of an immediately notifiable condition as specified in Table HF-1 of WAC 246-101-301 occurs;

     (((b))) (ii) A local health department is closed or representatives of the local health department are unavailable at the time an outbreak or suspected outbreak of communicable disease occurs.

     (((3))) (c) Notify the department as specified in Table HF-1 of WAC 246-101-301 regarding cases of notifiable conditions specified as notifiable to the department.

     (((4))) (d) Notify the department of cancer incidence as required by chapter 246-430 WAC.

     (((5))) (e) Ensure that positive ((cultures and)) preliminary test results and positive final test results for notifiable conditions of specimens referred to laboratories outside of Washington for testing are correctly notified to the correct local health department as specified in Table Lab-1 of WAC 246-101-201. This requirement can be satisfied by:

     (((a))) (i) Arranging for the referral laboratory to notify ((either)) the local health department, the department, or both; or

     (((b))) (ii) Receiving the test result from the referral laboratory, and forwarding the notification to the local health department, the department, or both.

     (((6))) (f) Cooperate with public health authorities during investigation of:

     (((a))) (i) Circumstances of a case or suspected case of a notifiable condition or other communicable disease; and

     (((b))) (ii) An outbreak or suspected outbreak of disease.

     (((7))) (g) Provide adequate and understandable instruction in disease control measures to each patient who has been diagnosed with a case of a communicable disease, and to ((contacts)) other persons who may have been exposed to the communicable disease.

     (((8))) (h) Maintain an infection control program as described in WAC ((246-320-265)) 246-320-176 for hospitals and WAC 246-330-176 for ambulatory surgical facilities.

     (((9))) (2) Health care facilities may assume the burden of notification for health care providers practicing within the health care facility where more than one health care provider is in attendance for a patient with a notifiable condition.

     (((10))) (3) Health care facilities may not assume the burden of notification for laboratories within the health care facility. Laboratories within a health care facility must submit specimens to the Washington state public health laboratories and notify public health authorities of notifiable conditions as specified in Table Lab-1 of WAC 246-101-201.

     (4) By July 1, 2011, when ordering a laboratory test for a notifiable condition, health care facilities must provide the laboratory with the following information for each test order:

     (a) Patient name;

     (b) Patient address including zip code;

     (c) Patient date of birth;

     (d) Patient sex;

     (e) Name of the principal health care provider;

     (f) Telephone number of the principal health care provider;

     (g) Type of test requested;

     (h) Type of specimen;

     (i) Date of ordering specimen collection.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 43.70.545 and 70.104.030. 00-23-120, § 246-101-305, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (a))) Health care facilities shall adhere to the following timelines and procedures:

     (1) Conditions designated as immediately notifiable must be reported ((by telephone or by secure facsimile copy of a written case report)) to the local health officer or the department as specified in Table HF-1((;

     (b))) immediately at the time of diagnosis or suspected diagnosis. This applies twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Each local health jurisdiction, as well as the department, maintains after-hours emergency phone contacts for this purpose. A party sending notification by secure facsimile copy or secure electronic transmission during normal public health business hours must confirm immediate receipt by a live person.

     (2) Conditions designated as notifiable within twenty-four hours must be reported to the local health officer or the department, as specified in Table HF-1 of WAC 246-101-301, within twenty-four hours of diagnosis or suspected diagnosis, seven days a week. Reports during normal public health business hours may be sent by secure electronic transmission, telephone, or secure facsimile copy of a case report. A party sending a report outside of normal public health business hours must use the after-hours emergency telephone contact for the appropriate jurisdiction;

     (3) Conditions designated as notifiable within three ((working)) business days must be reported to the local health officer or the department as specified in Table HF-1 of WAC 246-101-301 within three business days. Notification may be sent by written case report, secure electronic transmission, telephone, or secure facsimile copy ((to the local health officer or department as specified in Table HF-1)) of a case report; and

     (((c))) (4) Conditions designated as notifiable on a monthly basis must be reported to the local health officer or the department as specified in Table HF-1 of WAC 246-101-301 on a monthly basis. Notification may be sent by written case report, secure electronic transmission, telephone, or secure facsimile copy ((to the local health officer or the department as specified in Table HF-1.

     (2) The local health officer may authorize notifications by telephone or secure electronic transmission for cases and suspect cases of notifiable conditions specified as notifiable to local health departments.

     (3) The state health officer may authorize notifications by telephone or secure electronic transmission for cases and suspected cases of notifiable conditions specified as notifiable to the department)) of a case report.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70.24.125, 70.28.010 and 70.104.030. 00-23-120, § 246-101-310, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (a) Patient name;

     (b) Patient address including zip code;

     (c) Patient telephone number;

     (d) Patient date of birth;

     (e) Patient sex;

     (f) Diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of disease or condition;

     (g) Pertinent laboratory data (if available);

     (h) Name ((and address or telephone number)) of the principal health care provider;

     (i) Telephone number of the principal health care provider;

     (j) Address of the principal health care provider;

     (k) Name and ((address or)) telephone number of the person providing the report; and

     (((j))) (l) Other information as the department may require on forms generated by the department.

     (2) The local health officer or state health officer may require other information of epidemiological or public health value.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 43.70.545, 70.24.125, 70.28.010 and 70.104.030. 00-23-120, § 246-101-315, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (2) Personnel in health care facilities who know of a person with a notifiable condition, other than a sexually transmitted disease, shall release identifying information only to other individuals responsible for protecting the health and well-being of the public through control of disease.

     (3) Personnel in health care facilities with knowledge of a person with sexually transmitted disease, and following the basic principles of health care providers, which respect the human dignity and confidentiality of patients:

     (a) May disclose the identity of a person or release identifying information only as specified in RCW 70.24.105; and

     (b) Shall under RCW 70.24.105(6), use only the following customary methods for exchange of medical information:

     (i) Health care providers may exchange medical information related to HIV testing, HIV test results, and confirmed HIV or confirmed STD diagnosis and treatment in order to provide health care services to the patient.

     (ii) This means that information shared impacts the care or treatment decisions concerning the patient; and the health care provider requires the information for the patient's benefit.

     (4) Personnel responsible for health care facility management are authorized to permit access to medical information as necessary to fulfill professional duties. Health care facility administrators shall advise those persons permitted access under this section of the requirement to maintain confidentiality of such information as defined under this section and chapter 70.24 RCW. Professional duties means the following activities or activities that are functionally similar ((activities)):

     (a) Medical record or chart audits;

     (b) Peer reviews;

     (c) Quality assurance;

     (d) Utilization review purposes;

     (e) Research as authorized under chapters 42.48 and 70.02 RCW;

     (f) Risk management; and

     (g) Reviews required under federal or state law or rules.

     (5) Personnel responsible for health care facility management are authorized to permit access to a patient's medical information and medical record by medical staff or health care facility staff to carry out duties required for care and treatment of a patient and the management of medical information and the patient's medical record.

     (6) Health care facilities conducting a clinical HIV research project shall report the identity of an individual participating in the project unless:

     (a) The project has been approved by an institutional review board; and

     (b) The project has a system in place to remind referring health care providers of their reporting obligations under this chapter.

     (7) Health care facilities shall establish and implement policies and procedures to maintain confidentiality related to a patient's medical information.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 43.70.545 and 70.104.030. 00-23-120, § 246-101-320, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (((1))) (a) Notify the local health officer of the jurisdiction in which the human resides of any suspected human case or suspected human outbreak based on the human's exposure to a confirmed animal case of any disease listed in Table ((HC-1 that is transmissible from animals to humans. Examples of these zoonotic diseases include:

     (a) Anthrax;

     (b) Brucellosis;

     (c) Encephalitis, viral;

     (d) Plague;

     (e) Rabies;

     (f) Psittacosis;

     (g) Tuberculosis; and

     (h) Tularemia.)) V-1 of this section:

Table V-1 (Conditions Notifiable by Veterinarians)

     (((3))) (c) Cooperate with public health authorities in the implementation of infection control measures including isolation and quarantine.

     (d) Comply with requirements in chapter 16-70 WAC for submitting positive specimens and isolates for specific diseases, and provide information requested by the department or local health jurisdiction.

     (2) The department of health shall:

     (a) Coordinate with the state veterinarian at the department of agriculture to develop, maintain, and implement a procedure for notifying the department of animal cases of the conditions listed in Table V-1 of this section.

     (b) Notify the local health jurisdiction of reported animal cases of the conditions in Table V-1 of this section.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 00-23-120, § 246-101-405, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (1) Notify the local health department of potential foodborne disease as required in WAC 246-215-260.

     (2) Cooperate with public health authorities in the investigation of cases ((and)), suspected cases, ((or)) outbreaks, and suspected outbreaks of foodborne or waterborne disease. This includes the release of the name and other pertinent information about food handlers diagnosed with a communicable disease as it relates to a foodborne or waterborne disease investigation.

     (3) Not release information about food handlers with a communicable disease to other employees or the general public.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 00-23-120, § 246-101-410, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (1) Notify the local health department of cases ((or)), suspected cases, ((or)) outbreaks, and suspected outbreaks of notifiable conditions that may be associated with the child day care facility.

     (2) Consult with a health care provider or the local health department for information about the control and prevention of infectious or communicable disease, as necessary.

     (3) Cooperate with public health authorities in the investigation of cases ((and)), suspected cases, ((or)) outbreaks, and suspected outbreaks of disease that may be associated with the child day care facility.

     (4) ((Child day care facilities shall)) Establish and implement policies and procedures to maintain confidentiality related to medical information in their possession.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 00-23-120, § 246-101-415, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (1) Notify the local health department of cases ((or)), suspected cases, ((or)) outbreaks, and suspected outbreaks of disease that may be associated with the school.

     (2) Cooperate with the local health department in monitoring influenza.

     (3) Consult with a health care provider or the local health department for information about the control and prevention of infectious or communicable disease, as necessary.

     (4) Cooperate with public health authorities in the investigation of cases ((and)), suspected cases, ((or)) outbreaks, and suspected outbreaks of disease that may be associated with the school.

     (5) ((Personnel in schools who know of a person with a notifiable condition shall)) Release identifying information only to other individuals responsible for protecting the health and well-being of the public through control of disease.

     (6) Schools shall establish and implement policies and procedures to maintain confidentiality related to medical information in their possession.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 00-23-120, § 246-101-420, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (a) Cooperate with public health authorities in the investigation of cases ((and)), suspected cases, ((or)) outbreaks, and suspected outbreaks of notifiable conditions or other communicable diseases; and

     (b) Cooperate with the implementation of infection control measures, including isolation and quarantine.

     (2) Members of the general public may notify the local health department of any case ((or)), suspected case, ((or)) outbreak, or potential outbreak of communicable disease.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 00-23-120, § 246-101-425, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (((1))) (a) Review and determine appropriate action for:

     (((a))) (i) Each reported case or suspected case of a notifiable condition;

     (((b))) (ii) Any disease or condition considered a threat to public health; and

     (((c))) (iii) Each reported outbreak or suspected outbreak of disease, requesting assistance from the department in carrying out investigations when necessary((;)).

     (((2))) (b) Establish a system at the local health department for maintaining confidentiality of written records and written and telephoned notifiable conditions case reports;

     (((3))) (c) Notify health care providers, laboratories, and health care facilities within the jurisdiction of the health department of requirements in this chapter;

     (((4))) (d) Notify the department of cases of any condition notifiable to the local health department (except animal bites) upon completion of the case investigation;

     (((5))) (e) Distribute appropriate notification forms to persons responsible for reporting;

     (((6))) (f) Notify the principal health care provider, if possible, prior to initiating a case investigation by the local health department((.));

     (((7))) (g) Carry out the HIV partner notification requirements of WAC 246-100-072((.));

     (((8))) (h) Allow laboratories to contact the health care provider ordering the diagnostic test before initiating patient contact if requested and the delay is unlikely to jeopardize public health;

     (((9))) (i) Conduct investigations and institute control measures in accordance with chapter 246-100 WAC((;)).

     (((10))) (2) The local health department may adopt alternate arrangements for meeting the reporting requirements under this chapter through cooperative agreement between the local health department and any health care provider, laboratory or health care facility;

     (((11))) (3) Each local health officer has the authority to:

     (a) Carry out additional steps determined to be necessary to verify a diagnosis reported by a health care provider;

     (b) Require any person suspected of having a ((reportable disease or)) notifiable condition to submit to examinations required to determine the presence of the ((disease or)) condition;

     (c) Investigate any case or suspected case of a reportable disease or condition or other illness, communicable or otherwise, if deemed necessary;

     (d) Require the notification of additional conditions of public health importance occurring within the jurisdiction of the local health officer.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.24.130 and 70.24.380. 05-11-110, § 246-101-505, filed 5/18/05, effective 6/18/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 (2)(d), 70.05.050 and 70.05.060. 03-06-003, § 246-101-505, filed 2/19/03, effective 2/19/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 00-23-120, § 246-101-505, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (1) Local health departments shall notify the department immediately by telephone or secure electronic data transmission of any ((notification of a)) case or suspected case of:

     (a) Botulism;

     (b) Cholera;

     (c) Diphtheria;

     (d) Disease of suspected bioterrorism origin (((examples: Anthrax, plague, smallpox);

     (d) Hemolytic uremic syndrome)) (including, but not limited to, anthrax);

     (e) Emerging condition with outbreak potential;

     (f) Influenza, novel strain;

     (g) Measles;

     (((f))) (h) Paralytic shellfish poisoning;

     (((g))) (i) Plague;

     (j) Poliomyelitis; ((and

     (h) Unexplained critical illness or death.))

     (k) Rabies, human;

     (l) SARS;

     (m) Smallpox;

     (n) Tularemia;

     (o) Viral hemorrhagic fever; and

     (p) Yellow fever.

     (2) Immediate notifications of cases and suspected cases ((must)) shall include:

     (a) Patient name;

     (b) Patient's notifiable condition; and

     (c) Condition onset date.

     (3) For each case of any condition notifiable to the local health department, submit to the department case report either on a form provided by the department or in a format approved by the department. Case reports must be sent by secure electronic transmission or telephone within seven days of completing the case investigation. If the case investigation is not complete within twenty-one days of notification, pertinent information collected from the case investigation must be sent to the department and shall include:

     (a) Patient name;

     (b) Patient's notifiable condition or suspected condition;

     (c) Source or suspected source; and

     (d) Condition onset date.

     (4) Local health officials will report asymptomatic HIV infection cases to the department according to a standard code developed by the department.

     (5) When notified of an outbreak or suspected outbreak of illness due to an infectious agent or toxin, the local health department shall:

     (a) Notify the department immediately by telephone or secure electronic data transmission ((of any notification of an outbreak or suspected outbreak of foodborne or waterborne or other communicable disease)).

     (((4) For outbreaks or suspected outbreaks of foodborne or waterborne disease, notifications must)) (b) Include in the initial notification:

     (((a))) (i) Organism or suspected organism;

     (((b))) (ii) Source or suspected source; and

     (((c))) (iii) Number of persons affected.

     (((5) Submit a written case report either on a form provided by the department or in a format approved by the department for each case of any condition notifiable to the local health department, except animal bites, within seven days of completing the case investigation. The department may waive this requirement if telephone or secure electronic data transmission provided pertinent information.

     (6) Local health officials will report asymptomatic HIV infection cases to the department according to a standard code developed by the department.

     (7) For any case not immediately notifiable to the department forward pertinent information collected on the case investigation for each case of any condition notifiable to the local health department to the department if the case investigation is not complete within twenty-one days of notification, including:

     (a) Name;

     (b) Condition or suspected condition;

     (c) Source or suspected source; and

     (d) Onset date.

     (8))) (c) Within seven days of completing the outbreak investigation, submit to the department a ((written)) report on forms provided by the department or in a format approved by the department ((for an outbreak of any notifiable condition within seven days of completing the investigation)). The department may waive this requirement if telephone or secure electronic data transmission provided pertinent information.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70.24.125 and 70.28.010. 00-23-120, § 246-101-510, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (a) To employees of the local health department, another local health department, or other official agencies needing to know for the purpose of administering public health laws and these regulations;

     (b) To health care providers, specific designees of health care facilities, laboratory directors, and others for the purpose of collecting additional information about a case or suspected case as required for disease prevention and control;

     (2) Local health officers shall require and maintain signed confidentiality agreements with all local health department employees with access to identifying information related to a case or suspected case of a person diagnosed with a notifiable condition. The agreements will be renewed at least annually and will include reference to criminal and civil penalties for violation of chapters 70.02 and 70.24 RCW and other administrative actions that may be taken by the local health department.

     (3) Local health departments may release statistical summaries and epidemiological studies based on individual case reports if no individual is identified or identifiable.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 00-23-120, § 246-101-515, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (((1))) (a) Provide consultation and technical assistance to local health departments and the department of labor and industries investigating notifiable conditions reports upon request.

     (((2))) (b) Provide consultation and technical assistance to health care providers, laboratories, health care facilities, and others required to make notifications to public health authorities of notifiable conditions upon request.

     (((3))) (c) Develop, maintain, and make available for local health departments guidance on investigation and control measures for notifiable communicable disease conditions.

     (d) Develop and ((distribute)) make available forms for the submission of notifiable conditions data to local health departments, health care providers, laboratories, health care facilities, and others required to make notifications to public health authorities of notifiable conditions.

     (((4))) (e) Maintain a twenty-four hour ((department)) telephone number for reporting notifiable conditions.

     (((5))) (f) Develop routine data dissemination mechanisms that describe and analyze notifiable conditions case investigations and data. These may include annual and monthly reports and other mechanisms for data dissemination as developed by the department.

     (((6))) (g) Conduct investigations and institute control measures ((consistent with those indicated in the seventeenth edition, 2000 of Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, edited by James Chin, published by the American Public Health Association (copy is available for review at the department and at each local health department), except:

     (a) When superseded by more up-to-date measures; or

     (b) When other measures are more specifically related to Washington state)) as necessary.

     (((7))) (h) Document the known environmental, human, and ((or)) other variables associated with a case or suspected case of pesticide poisoning.

     (((8))) (i) Report the results of the pesticide investigation to the principal health care provider named in the case report form and to the local health officer in whose jurisdiction the exposure has occurred.

     (((9))) (2) The department may:

     (a) Negotiate alternate arrangements for meeting reporting requirements under this chapter through cooperative agreement between the department and any health care provider, laboratory, or health care facility.

     (((10) The department may)) (b) Consolidate reporting for notifiable conditions from any health care provider, laboratory, or health care facility, and relieve that health care provider, laboratory, or health care facility from reporting directly to each local health department, if the department can provide the report to the local health department within the same time as the local health department would have otherwise received it.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 43.70.545 and 70.104.030. 00-23-120, § 246-101-605, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (a) To employees of the local health department, other local health departments, or other official agencies needing to know for the purpose of administering public health laws and these regulations.

     (b) To health care providers, specific designees of health care facilities, laboratory directors, and others for the purpose of collecting additional information about a case or suspected case as required for disease prevention and control.

     (c) For research approved by an institutional review board as indicated under chapter 42.48 RCW. The institutional review board applies federal and state privacy laws to research requests for confidential information.

     (2) ((The department shall require and maintain signed confidentiality agreements with)) All department employees, contractors, and others with access to identifying information related to a case or suspected case of a person diagnosed with a notifiable condition shall be required to sign a confidentiality agreement. ((These)) The confidentiality agreements ((will)) shall be renewed ((at least)) annually and shall include reference to criminal and civil penalties for violation of chapters 70.02 and 70.24 RCW and other administrative actions that may be taken by the department.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 43.70.545 and 70.104.030. 00-23-120, § 246-101-610, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (1) Distribute periodic epidemiological summary reports and an annual review of public health issues to local health officers and local health departments.

     (2) Upon execution of a data sharing agreement, make available any data or other documentation in its possession ((for)) regarding notifiable conditions reported directly to the department to local health officers or their designees ((upon execution of a data sharing agreement)) within two days of a request.

     (3) Periodically distribute statistical summaries and epidemiological studies based on individual case reports if no individual is identified or identifiable.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 43.70.545 and 70.104.030. 00-23-120, § 246-101-615, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 00-23-120, § 246-101-625, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 00-23-120, § 246-101-701, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

     (1) Make ((other)) data necessary to conduct case investigations or epidemiological summaries available within two days of a request from the department.

     (2) Execute a data sharing agreement with the department prior to implementation of this chapter.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 00-23-120, § 246-101-725, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office