SB 776 - This act authorizes the Bureau of Communicable Diseases, which is within the Department of Health and Senior Services, to monitor all epidemiological studies conducted by any public or private entity for potential bioterrorist agents. Bioterrorist agents are agents which promote or spread bioterrorism and include, but are not limited to, anthrax, botulism, and smallpox.

The Bureau is responsible for notifying the affected local health departments of any suspected bioterrorist agents. The State Public Health Laboratory must test and report on all samples of suspected bioterrorist agents. The reports shall include the following:

-the name of the disease or condition being reported;

-the date of onset;

-the date of diagnosis;

-the name, address, telephone number, occupation, race/ethnic group, social security number, sex, age, and date of birth for the case or suspected case;

-the date of death, if death has occurred; and

-the name, address, and telephone number of the person making the report.

Reports compiled by the State Lab shall be furnished in a timely manner to the affected local health department. The information contained in the reports is confidential and will not be disclosed, except upon the written consent of the affected individual.

This act is identical to SB 176 (2003).
LORIE TOWE