(a) For purposes of this article, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1) CLINICAL MATERIALS. Either of the following:
a. A clinical isolate that contains or that may contain an infectious agent of public health importance.
b. Material that contains or that may contain an infectious agent of public health importance, if an isolate is not available, in the following order of preference:
1. A patient specimen.
2. Nucleic acid.
3. Other laboratory material.
(2) PROVIDER OF MEDICAL SERVICES. A physician, hospital, laboratory, or other medical facility or medical professional that renders medical care relating to treatment of possible or confirmed cases of public health importance.
(b) A provider of medical services that is currently rendering or that has rendered treatment, care, diagnostic services, or laboratory services to any person suspected of having a notifiable disease or health condition shall provide all records relating to its performance of treatment, care, diagnostic services, or laboratory services for that person to the State Health Officer or his or her designee upon request.
(c) Any laboratory at which testing of clinical materials results in a suspected or positive finding of public health importance shall forward those clinical materials to the Bureau of Clinical Laboratories of the Department of Public Health.
(d) The Department of Public Health shall adopt rules necessary for the implementation and enforcement of this section.
Last modified: May 3, 2021