This week you discovered that test results for a highly recognizable/highly infl

Question

This week you discovered that test results for a highly recognizable/highly influential member of the community came back positive for Syphilis. Our Lab Technician as well as the Physician of record decided not to do anything or say anything in an attempt to protect the patient. Are there mandatory reporting requirements that we have? Are we required to report to the CDC (Center for Disease Control)? Are we required to report to the Florida Department of Health? If so, what is the administrative law that governs this? Do I need to be aware of any other laws? Please tell me about any forms that should have been filled out. Which of our employees was responsible for the state reporting piece? What rights does the patient have in this process? Both the lab tech and physician are top performers for us. What HR action (if any) will you take regarding the way they handled this situation?

Explanation / Answer

Answer 1. Yes, there are mandatory reporting requirements for infectious diseases, and syphilis is one of them. The department of public health has mandated reporting of 5 sexually transmitted diseases. These are syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, neonatal herpes and chancroid.

Answer 2.

Yes, it is mandatory to report this disease to the Center of Disease Control (CDC) as well. This, including congenital syphilis should also be reported to the CDC.

Answer 3. Yes, it is important to report to Florida Department of health as well.

Answer 4.

It is mandatory for the information provider to report these diseases (by law). This is done just to prevent the spread of any kind of epidemic.

Note that syphilis is a simple disease; it can be cured if given the right treatment at the right time. But it can have serious complications (for overall public health) if left untreated.

The administrative law that governs reporting of syphilis (and all communicable diseases) is present in Chapter 64D-3 of the Florida Administrative code.

Answer 5.

You can keep yourself aware of the Kassowitz law related to congenital syphilis. Apart from this, there are laws devised by Department of Public Health which should be known.

Answer 6.

There is a STD reporting form, and a special Reporting form for syphilis which should be filled before reporting. Forms should be returned to Florida Department of Health in Orange Country, 832 W Central Blvd. Orlando, FL 32805.

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