CT HB05181

Hospitals must provide the Department of Public Health with remote access (if technically feasible) to medical records of patients with reportable diseases, emergency illnesses, health conditions, and reportable tumors, in a manner approved by the Commissioner of Public Health.

Health care providers must report cases of reportable diseases to local health directors and the Department of Public Health within 12 hours of recognition; clinical laboratories must report findings within 48 hours, with larger laboratories required to report electronically.

Clinical laboratories averaging more than 30 findings per month must submit reports electronically in a format approved by the commissioner; those averaging fewer than 30 findings may report in writing, by telephone, or electronically.

All disease reports and personal information obtained from disease prevention investigations remain strictly confidential and cannot be divulged except as permitted by law; violation results in a fine of up to $500.

The Department of Public Health may contact reporting health care providers and affected persons to obtain information necessary for disease control, including identification of infection sources and contacts in communicable disease cases.