ALF REPORTING REQUIREMENT FOR DISEASE OUTBREAKS

VCAL (6/18/2008)

The following notice was received from the Department of Social Services regarding reporting disease outbreaks.    These new notifications requirements are a result of legislation passed in the 2008 General Assembly. 

Effective July 1, 2008, the Code of Virginia at § 32.1-37 requires assisted living facilities and adult day care centers licensed by the Department of Social Services to report outbreaks of disease to the health department. The health department defines an outbreak as ‘the occurrence of more cases of a disease than expected.’  This means that any time a facility administrator or director feels that more residents or participants are ill than is normal, he should call the local health department that serves the city or county in which the facility is located.  This could apply to any disease, and there is no set level of disease that needs to be met to be considered an outbreak. The requirement boils down to if the administrator or director suspects that an outbreak may be occurring, the local health department should be notified by phone call.  The health department will help assess the situation and make recommendations to help prevent the spread of disease.  Please cooperate with the health department, provide them the information they request, and realize they are partners with us in protecting the health of the community.