Who must report a communicable disease?

Clinicians, laboratories, long-term care facilities, schools, and other designated reporters must report suspected or confirmed cases as listed by public health guidance.

How quickly must I report?

Timeframes depend on the disease: some require immediate telephone notification; others allow 24 to 72 hours. Check the state and Metro Health lists for timing.

What if I am unsure whether a condition is reportable?

Contact Metro Health for guidance before delay; document your clinical judgment and the consultation.

Report Communicable Diseases to Louisville City Health

Public Health and Welfare Kentucky 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026

In Louisville, Kentucky, healthcare providers, laboratories, and certain institutions must report suspected or confirmed communicable disease cases to the local health authority promptly to protect the community. This guide explains who must report, when to report, how to notify Louisville Metro Public Health & Wellness, and the practical steps to stay compliant under local public health practice.

Reporting promptly helps Metro Health investigate and stop outbreaks.

Who must report and when

Under local public health practice, clinicians, laboratories, long-term care facilities, schools, and other regulated reporters must notify the city health department of cases listed as reportable. Timing varies by disease: some conditions require immediate telephone notification while others allow reporting within 24 to 72 hours. For the official list of reportable conditions and timing, see the state reporting list and Metro Health guidance via the agency links below ^[2]^[1].

How to report

Use the designated case report form or electronic reporting channel where available; include patient identifiers, diagnosis, specimen dates, and reporter contact.
For urgent or immediately notifiable conditions, call the Metro Health duty line or the numbers listed by the department.
Keep clinical records and laboratory reports to support investigations.

Use secure, encrypted channels for patient-identifying information whenever possible.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of reporting obligations is handled by Louisville Metro Public Health & Wellness (LMPHW), the city health authority responsible for investigation, case management, and compliance. Contact details and department information are available on the Metro Health pages cited below ^[1].

Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: investigation, orders to isolate or quarantine, written compliance orders, and referral to courts are typical public health tools; specific measures for Louisville are not fully itemized on the cited pages.
Enforcer and complaint pathways: Louisville Metro Public Health & Wellness is the enforcing agency and receives reports, complaints, and requests for inspection ^[1].
Appeals and review: procedures and time limits for administrative appeals are not specified on the cited page.

Specific fines, appeal deadlines, and formal procedures are not specified on the cited pages and may be governed by state public health statutes.

Applications & Forms

The city does not publish a standalone public online form on the Metro Health landing page; reporting often uses state or department case report forms or direct phone/electronic notification. The Kentucky Department for Public Health publishes the statewide reportable conditions list and related reporting resources ^[2]. If no city form is posted, follow Metro Health instructions for phone or secure electronic submission.

Action steps

Identify the case and determine whether it appears on the reportable conditions list.
Complete the case report form or collect required data fields (patient name, DOB, diagnosis, specimen date, reporter contact).
Notify Metro Health by the department phone or electronic channel for immediately notifiable conditions.
Retain records and cooperate with public health investigation and any isolation or control orders.

FAQ

Who must report a communicable disease?: Clinicians, laboratories, long-term care facilities, schools, and other designated reporters must report suspected or confirmed cases as listed by public health guidance.
How quickly must I report?: Timeframes depend on the disease: some require immediate telephone notification; others allow 24 to 72 hours. Check the state and Metro Health lists for timing.
What if I am unsure whether a condition is reportable?: Contact Metro Health for guidance before delay; document your clinical judgment and the consultation.

How-To

Confirm the diagnosis or suspected condition and gather patient identifiers and relevant clinical dates.
Complete the required case report form or prepare the information for electronic submission.
Call Metro Health for immediately notifiable diseases and submit other reports via the instructed channel.
Provide any requested records to support the investigation and comply with public health orders.

Key Takeaways

Report promptly to help Metro Health prevent spread and protect the community.
Follow Metro Health instructions for forms and secure transmission of patient data.