The bill amends section 3701.23 of the Revised Code to mandate the reporting of tick-related diseases and conditions to the Department of Health. Specifically, it adds a new category of reportable diseases that includes various tick-related illnesses such as Alpha-gal syndrome, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Powassan virus disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Tularemia, and Southern tick-associated rash illness. This requirement extends to health care providers, boards of health, health authorities, coroners, and medical examiners, who must promptly report these conditions.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the existing section 3701.23 is to be repealed, indicating a complete overhaul of the reporting requirements. The new language emphasizes the importance of timely reporting to help manage public health risks associated with tick-borne diseases. Compliance with these reporting requirements is mandatory, and the bill outlines that protected health information must be handled according to existing privacy laws, allowing for the release of non-identifiable information in aggregate form.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3701.23