PCM: Public Health

=Objectives=

Explain the reasons for reporting diseases to public health officials.

 * Prevent spread and detect outbreaks
 * monitory programs
 * research

Describe the rules for disease reporting that apply to physicians.
Report disease and demographics to local public health department. Cannot be sued for confidential information

Describe what public health officials do with disease reports.

 * Coordinate with other public health agencies.
 * Report outbreaks to the public in the county which the patient resides
 * "Anybody who ate spinach from Joe's farm should come get treatment ASAP and throw it away...."
 * "Anybody who ate at Arby's in 5 locations are at risk of deadly hepatitis and should get a vaccine ASAP"
 * 1) local health investigages
 * 2) takes steps to control transmisson
 * 3) investigate as warranted

Describe the role of the physician and the public health sector in disease surveillance.

 * You must report name, date, underlying health information and personal health information. Oregon law indemnifies physicians.
 * HIPPA allows for public health reporting in a specific clause.
 * Public health reporting agencies are bound by confidential reporting procedures.
 * "When in doubt, rat them out".
 * Some diseases must be reported immediately (ie botulism, report in middle of night), others within looser time frames
 * Key component in investigation--this is where it all starts
 * You can lose your license for failing to report