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Lilly Cowan, JD, ARM, CPCU
Princeton Insurance Healthcare Risk Consultant
Printable Version of this Article
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This material is not to be construed as establishing professional practice standards or providing legal advice. Information contained herein about reporting requirements is intended as an overview only and in no way guarantees the fulfillment of your obligations as may be required by any local, state or federal laws, regulations or other requirements. Readers are advised to consult a qualified attorney or other professional regarding the information and issues discussed herein, and for advice pertaining to a specific situation.
Physicians licensed in New Jersey are required to report, in a timely manner, a multitude of diseases and conditions, in accordance with state law. The regulations promulgated to implement the laws are intended to protect the public health, record vital statistical data and provide a link to services for residents of New Jersey.
New Jersey law mandates reporting for a wide array of issues, including but not limited to communicable diseases, work-related conditions, birth defects, elder and child abuse and drivers who have seizure disorders. It is the responsibility of the physician to notify the appropriate state agency (or local health department where the patient resides for communicable diseases); each agency has particular reporting procedures (written, verbal), time-frames and forms to be completed.
The Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS), Public Health Services Branch, Communicable Disease Service, has developed several useful documents about reporting communicable diseases. One is a brochure that explains the healthcare provider’s role in reporting diseases and also provides links to related websites, available online at http://www.nj.gov/health/cd/documents/why%20report.pdf. There is also a full-sheet “Quick Reference” that lists reportable diseases, reporting time periods, phone numbers and agencies to which to report, available at www.nj.gov/health/cd/documents/reportable_diseases.pdf. This document also comes in a magnet form and a convenient wallet-sized brochure, both of which can be obtained from your local health department. You can find your local health department at www.nj.gov/health/lh/directory/lhdselectcounty.shtml.
The Board of Medical Examiners rules reinforce the NJDHSS regulations with respect to reporting communicable diseases, cases of AIDS and infection with HIV. Failure to report these conditions constitutes professional misconduct and subjects the licensee to disciplinary action by the Board (New Jersey Administrative Code 13:35-6.24).
Physicians should also be aware that NJDHSS recently proposed new rules and amendments to the reporting requirements for communicable diseases and work-related conditions. Once the rule-making process is completed, the adoption will be published in the NJ Register, and the new rules and amendments will be published in the N.J.A.C. at title 8, chapters 57 and 58. We would encourage you to read the regulations for a complete review of the requirements. Both publications can be accessed here: www.lexisnexis.com/njoal (see the December 2008 letter to physicians from NJ Acting Deputy Commissioner/Acting State Epidemiologist: www.cityofenglewood.org/health_state_letter1208.pdf).
Another resource that might be helpful is a list of toll-free numbers, organized by topic, for issues administered by the NJDHSS (www.nj.gov/health/tollfree.shtml).
The following list presents links for your convenience in accessing more information about the various conditions for which reporting by physicians is required in New Jersey.
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Communicable Diseases
(Includes: Animal bites, Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, STD, TB)
NJDHSS, Communicable Disease Service
www.nj.gov/health/cd (for reporting forms, etc.)
www.nj.gov/health/lh/directory/lhdselectcounty.shtml
Work-Related Conditions
NJDHSS - Occupational Health Surveillance Program
www.nj.gov/health/eoh/survweb
Abuse of Institutionalized Elderly
NJDHSS- Dept of Public Advocate, Div of Elder Advocacy
www.state.nj.us/publicadvocate/seniors/elder/
mandatoryreportingdescript.html
Birth Defects
NJHHSS-Special Child, Adult and Early Intervention Services
www.nj.gov/health/fhs/sch/schr.shtml
Cancer
Cancer Epidemiology Services and Registry
www.nj.gov/health/ces/cancer_reporting_phy.shtml
Medical Conditions and Driving (Seizure disorders, etc.)
NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), Medical Review Unit
www.njmvc.gov
Child Abuse and Neglect
NJ Dept of Human Services-Div of Youth and Family Services
www.state.nj.us/dcf/abuse/how
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