Report Communicable Diseases - New York City Law

Public Health and Welfare New York 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 02, 2026 Flag of New York

In New York City, New York, health care providers, laboratories and certain institutions must report suspected or confirmed cases of designated communicable diseases to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to protect public health. Reporting obligations, lists of reportable conditions, and provider instructions are published by DOHMH and must be followed promptly to support surveillance and control efforts.[1] The specific legal authority and health-code provisions governing communicable disease control in the city are set out in the New York City Health Code.[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

The primary enforcer for reporting requirements is the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) acting under the New York City Health Code. The Health Code authorizes the DOHMH Commissioner to take measures to control communicable diseases and to require reporting; specific enforcement practices are administered by DOHMH programs and legal staff.[2]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing-offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: DOHMH may issue control orders, isolation or quarantine directives, and require corrective action; court actions may be pursued to enforce orders as authorized by the Health Code.
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: report concerns or provider noncompliance to DOHMH through the official reporting channels listed by DOHMH.[1]
  • Appeals/review: procedures and time limits for administrative review or appeal of enforcement actions are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences/discretion: DOHMH guidance and the Health Code describe permitted public-health measures and any discretionary relief, but specific statutory defences or variances are not specified on the cited page.
Failure to report may result in public health orders or enforcement action by DOHMH.

Applications & Forms

DOHMH provides provider reporting instructions, reporting forms, and a list of reportable conditions on its official reporting pages; submission methods include the channels listed on the DOHMH reporting guidance (see Resources). For specific form names or numbers, consult the DOHMH provider reporting page.[1]

How to Report

  1. Confirm whether the condition or exposure is listed as reportable on the DOHMH reportable conditions list.
  2. Collect required information: patient identifiers, clinical details, and laboratory results or specimen information.
  3. Submit the report using DOHMH-specified channels (phone, electronic system, or form) as described on the DOHMH reporting page.
  4. Follow any DOHMH instructions for isolation, contact tracing, specimen submission, or additional testing.
  5. If in doubt or for urgent conditions, use the emergency contact methods listed by DOHMH.
Keep complete clinical and laboratory records to support any required public health investigation.

FAQ

Who must report communicable diseases in New York City?
Health care providers, laboratories, and certain institutions are required to report suspected or confirmed cases as specified by DOHMH reporting guidance and the Health Code.
What conditions are reportable?
DOHMH maintains an official list of reportable communicable diseases and conditions; consult the DOHMH list for the current schedule.
How quickly should I report a case?
Timing and immediate-report criteria are set by DOHMH for specific conditions; see DOHMH provider instructions for required reporting timeframes.

How-To

  1. Identify the condition and check the DOHMH reportable conditions list.
  2. Gather patient demographics, clinical findings and lab data.
  3. Complete the DOHMH reporting form or electronic submission channel.
  4. Send the report via the DOHMH method indicated for that condition and keep confirmation records.
  5. Comply with any follow-up instructions from DOHMH investigators.

Key Takeaways

  • DOHMH publishes the official list of reportable conditions and provider instructions.
  • Report promptly through DOHMH channels to support public-health response.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of New York DOHMH - Reporting communicable diseases and provider guidance
  2. [2] City of New York DOHMH - New York City Health Code and resources

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