Carter County Board of Health clarifies disease‑reporting steps; TB remains immediately reportable locally, state notified within seven days

Public health staff presented revisions to Carter County’s communicable disease and pandemic flu plan that clarify who must notify public health and what diseases trigger immediate reporting. "State and federal laws regarding notification will be followed," the staff member said, noting the change was added to the plan to remove ambiguity about reporters and reportable conditions.

The board and staff discussed the distinction between local and state reporting. Staff explained that facility reporters — hospitals, clinics, laboratories, schools and day cares — must notify the local public health office "as soon as they are aware" of a reportable condition. For conditions on the immediate‑report list, including tuberculosis, local public health must begin investigation on notification and then submit a formal report to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) within seven days.

Public health staff explained the practical steps: an on‑call phone number is forwarded to staff; investigators gather information locally and enter case data into the state’s reporting system (Midas). "If local public health wasn't available, reporters can report directly to the state," staff said, adding that the county still generally expects local notification first. Staff also noted a small added reference page in the plan linking to statutory sources and state guidance used to build the reportable‑conditions list.

Board members asked for clearer language and copies of the updated plan pages. Staff cautioned that the statutory disease lists and some operational details are intended primarily for local health departments and tribal entities and are not always suitable for broad public distribution. The board asked staff to share snapshots of the updated plan and follow up with the commissioners if the county wishes to pursue broader outreach or policy changes.

The board did not take a formal vote on the plan text at this meeting; staff said the changes were edits to clarify reporting pathways and to reflect statutory expectations. The department committed to continuing communication with the board about implementation and to provide the commissioners with copies of materials if requested.