Health, Disease Control and Prevention, Epidemiology

Rule R386-702

Communicable Disease Rule

Five-Year Notice of Review and Statement of Continuation

DAR File No.: 35327
Filed: 10/12/2011 11:46:42 AM

NOTICE OF REVIEW AND STATEMENT OF CONTINUATION

Concise explanation of the particular statutory provisions under which the rule is enacted and how these provisions authorize or require the rule:

The Communicable Disease Rule is enacted under Utah Code Section 26-1-30 (Powers and Duties of Department), Title 26, Chapter 6 (Communicable Disease Control Act), and under Section 26-23-23b (Detection of Public Health Emergencies Act). These provisions require the Department of Health to promote and protect the public's health by identifying, investigating, and controlling diseases that would be detrimental to the community, including those that are naturally occurring, and those that may indicate an act of bioterrorism. The Communicable Disease Rule defines the conditions that are reportable; specifies who is required to report diseases and how; and explains other specific details as to how the Department of Health is authorized to deal with these types of conditions.

Summary of written comments received during and since the last five-year review of the rule from interested persons supporting or opposing the rule:

Comments regarding the Communicable Disease Rule were solicited during the last five-year review; no comments opposing the rule were received at that time. The rule has been updated several times since the last review, and comments are always solicited from partners including local health department staff (e.g. local health officers, nursing directors, epidemiology staff), hospital Infection control practitioners, and community physicians; all comments received during these updates have been positive as to the need for the rule. There has been no indication of opposition from these partners or the public.

Reasoned justification for continuation of the rule, including reasons why the agency disagrees with comments in opposition to the rule, if any:

The Communicable Disease Rule must be continued in order to enable the Department of Health to continue to promote and protect he public's health as described above, and as required by state statute.

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Melissa Stevens Dimond at the above address, by phone at 801-538-6810, by FAX at 801-538-9923, or by Internet E-mail at melissastevens@utah.gov

Authorized by:

David Patton, Executive Director

Effective:

10/12/2011