· Brazos County Health Department:
(979) 361-4440 or 361-4450
· After hours: 911 dispatch in case of a suspected biological
attack or the occurance of an immediately reportable disease: (979)
361-3888 (ask for the
on-call health officer)
1. Fill out a DSHS reporting form and mail or fax to the Brazos County Health Department.
2. Call the Brazos County Health Department at (979) 361-4440 or 361-4450.
3. Online reporting coming soon!
Q: What about HIPPA Regulations?
A: As we are all aware, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was enacted which addressed the sharing of confidential medical information. This has raised questions among a number of physicians about HIPAA requirements and the reporting of confidential data related to communicable diseases and immunization to local health departments.
The HIPAA legislation does address this question and states that reporting of Communicable Diseases to the local or state health department are exempt because they are mandated within the Texas State Health & Safety Code and are used for surveillance and prevention of communicable diseases. This is addressed in section §164.512(b) of the HIPAA regulations.
Physicians who are concerned about reporting communicable diseases as
required under the Texas Health and Safety Code can be reassured that
this is permitted under HIPAA and that they are not required to obtain
patient written consent before sending this information to the local
health department.
Please see the DSHS (formerly TDH) memo to healthcare providers and reporting entities.
Additional information from the DHHS and CDC which explain
these regulations can be found at:
HIPPA guidelines
from the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
HIPPA information from the United
States Department of Health and Human Services.
HIPPA at the Texas Department of State Health Services
Q: What about other kinds of reporting?
A: There are several types of reporting required by law. Among those are birth defects, cancer and lead exposure. For more information on reporting these conditions please refer to the following links:
To report environmental or occupational exposure (Lead, Asbestos, Silicon,etc):
Cases can be reported directly to the Environmental Epidemiology
and Toxicology Division, TDH, by calling our toll-free number 1 (800) 588-1248.
Case reports can be faxed to (512) 458-7699.
Case reports can be mailed to the Environmental Epidemiology
and Toxicology Division:
Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology Division
Bureau of Epidemiology
Texas Department of Health
1100 W. 49th Steet
Austin, TX 78756
For more information: http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/epitox/default.htm
Cancer Reporting and the Texas Cancer Registry:
Cancer Reporting forms are available in MS Word or Adobe Acrobat.
Mail or Fax To:
Texas Department of Health
Texas Cancer Registry
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, Texas 78756
Phone: (512) 458-7523
Fax: (512) 458-7681
For more information on cancer reporting see the Cancer Reporting Handbook or visit the webpage of the Texas Cancer Registry
Q: Where can I learn more about biological agents and symptoms of exposure?
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has information on its website at: http://www.bt.cdc.gov
You can also contact the Brazos County Health Department for times and dates of various educational programs on communicable diseases and bioterrorism. The Emergency Preparedness and Response section of this website has lists of resources and online training available as well. In some cases you can earn continuing education credits for attendence.
Q: Is there software available to help expedite reporting?
A: The Brazos County Health Department is currently working on making disease reporting web-based. Check back for updates!
How
Do I Report?