Suppose there is an outbreak of an emerging illness that is not yet on the reportable communicable disease list. Can physicians be required to report it?

Yes, if the state health director issues an order requiring such reports. North Carolina laws authorize the state health director to issue a temporary order requiring health care providers to report symptoms, diseases, conditions, trends in use of health care services, or other health-related information, in either of two circumstances:

• When the information is needed for the investigation or surveillance of an illness, condition, or symptoms that may indicate a communicable disease (G.S. 130A-141.1), or
• When the information is needed for the investigation or surveillance of an illness, condition, or symptoms that may indicate an illness or condition caused by bioterrorism [G.S. 130A-476(b)].

A temporary order issued under the authority of one of these laws is valid for up to 90 days.