Mandatory Reporting Scenarios

Based on the scenario, the lab technician, as well as the physician, are required to report the findings of this patient’s lab results. Both the CDC and the state of Florida have mandatory reporting requirements. According to the CDC, Syphilis is communicable disease that can greatly impact our population. There is mandatory reporting to help protect the public. The physician must submit reporting according to the CDC and the lab who ran the test must also report the results. The CDC requires physicians and facilities to follow the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) guidelines. These guidelines contain recommendations, reports, and surveillance summaries for mandatory reporting (Mandatory Reporting, 1990).
According to HIPAA guidelines, the lab facility and physician has the right to disclose the patient’s Syphilis information under the “Using and Disclosing Your Health Information” law for the purpose of protecting the public. However, the patient has several rights such as; right to access, right to request confidential communications, and right to complain for privacy rights violations (Patients’ Rights, 2016).

Since both the lab tech and physician are top performers, I wuld issue a verbal warning because it would be their first offense of being non-compliant. I would reiterate that our facility could face serious fines at both the state and federal levels. I would also host an all employee meeting as a fresher to prevent future misreporting’s.
The CDC also requires that each state must follow up with their health department. Below are the guidelines for Florida State and the CDC. I have attached the reporting form for the state of Florida that must be submitted. Reporting’s can also be done through a hotline but must also be followed up by filling out the