Report Communicable Diseases - Washington Public Health Rules

Public Health and Welfare District of Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026 Flag of District of Columbia

In Washington, District of Columbia, health professionals and institutions must follow local public health rules when reporting communicable diseases. This guide explains what to report, who is required to report, how to submit notifications and official forms, and what to expect from enforcement by DC Health. It draws on the District’s official public health guidance and provides direct links to the Department of Health reporting pages and forms so clinicians, laboratories, and facility managers can act promptly and comply with local requirements.

What to report

Reportable conditions include contagious infections and other notifiable conditions identified by DC Health. The full list and case definitions are maintained by the District Department of Health; providers should check the official list for updates and immediately report conditions that threaten public health.[1]

Who must report

Physicians, hospitals, laboratories, infection preventionists, long-term care facilities and other licensed health entities are typically mandated to report suspected or confirmed cases. Reporting obligations usually extend to any person who diagnoses or has laboratory confirmation of a reportable condition.

How to report

Follow these basic steps to report a case to DC Health:

  1. Identify the suspected or confirmed reportable condition and collect required patient and exposure information.
  2. Notify DC Health by the method specified for the condition (phone for urgent reports, secure electronic report or the Confidential Morbidity Report form for routine notifications).[2]
  3. Complete any required form (for example, the Confidential Morbidity Report) and submit according to the instructions on the official form page.
  4. Implement infection-control measures and document actions in the patient record.
  5. Cooperate with public health follow-up and provide additional information or samples if requested.
Report immediately if the condition presents a public health emergency.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of reporting obligations is handled by the District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health), typically through its Infectious Disease Epidemiology division. DC Health may investigate reports, order control measures, and pursue administrative or legal remedies when required.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page. See cited DC Health and District law sources for details.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences and fine ranges are not specified on the cited DC Health pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to isolate or quarantine, mandatory treatment or control measures, facility inspections, and referral to the Office of the Attorney General or courts for enforcement.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: DC Health Infectious Disease Epidemiology division; report or complaint methods and contacts are listed on DC Health pages.[2]
  • Appeals and review: procedural appeals or administrative review routes are governed by District procedures; specific time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited DC Health page.

Applications & Forms

The Confidential Morbidity Report (CMR) form is the principal form used for routine notification; the DC Health reportable conditions page links to the current form and submission instructions. If a form or a special license/permit is required for a specific control measure, the requirement will be listed on the relevant DC Health page or District regulation. If no official form is required for an immediate urgent report, use the emergency contact method provided by DC Health.[2]

FAQ

Which diseases must I report?
Report diseases listed on the DC Health reportable conditions list; consult the official list frequently for updates.[1]
How quickly must I report?
Timeframes vary by condition: immediate or within 24 hours for urgent threats; see each condition’s guidance on the DC Health pages.[2]
What happens if I fail to report?
DC Health may investigate and impose administrative or legal measures; specific fines and penalties are not specified on the cited DC Health pages.

How-To

  1. Confirm the suspected condition and collect the patient identifiers, diagnosis, onset date, and exposure history.
  2. Check the DC Health reportable conditions page to confirm reporting category and timeframe.[1]
  3. For urgent conditions, call DC Health immediately using the contact information on the official page; for routine cases, complete and submit the Confidential Morbidity Report as instructed.[2]
  4. Retain documentation of the report and follow any additional DC Health instructions for testing, isolation, or notification.

Key Takeaways

  • Check DC Health’s official reportable conditions list before reporting.
  • Use the Confidential Morbidity Report and the immediate contact method for urgent diseases.
  • Maintain records of reports and cooperate with DC Health investigations.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] DC Health - Reportable Diseases and Conditions
  2. [2] DC Health - Communicable Disease Reporting & Forms

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data