Reporting Communicable Diseases - Laredo Clinics

Public Health and Welfare Texas 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Texas

Clinics in Laredo, Texas must follow state and local reporting rules for communicable diseases. Begin by identifying suspected or confirmed cases, then notify your local public health authority and the Texas Department of State Health Services for conditions that are designated reportable. Official lists and immediate-report instructions are available from the Texas Department of State Health Services.Reportable Conditions[1]

Who must report

In practice, clinicians, laboratories, and certain facility administrators are the primary reporters. If you are unsure whether a condition is reportable, consult the state list and your local health authority for clarification.

Report as soon as a reportable condition is suspected.

Reporting procedure

Standard steps: identify the condition, isolate or apply infection-control measures as required by clinical guidance, notify the local public health office by phone for immediately reportable conditions, and submit any required written or electronic reports within the timeframes stated on the state list. National guidance and surveillance definitions can aid case classification.NNDSS (CDC)[3]

  • Notify local public health by telephone when the condition requires immediate reporting.
  • Submit required written or electronic reports as specified by the Texas Department of State Health Services list.
  • Retain clinical records and test results in case public health requests additional information.
  • Implement infection-control and isolation measures directed by public health until cleared.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for failure to report is handled by public health authorities. Specific monetary penalties or criminal sanctions for failing to report at the municipal level are not listed on the state reportable-conditions page; the Texas Administrative Code provides implementing rules for public health reporting and enforcement processes.Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 97[2]

  • Fines or dollar amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: public-health orders, isolation/quarantine orders, or referral to court may be used; details depend on the enforcing authority and are not itemized on the cited state list.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: local health department or county public health is primary enforcer; contact local public health to report noncompliance (see Help and Support / Resources).
  • Appeal/review: procedures and time limits for administrative review or appeal are not specified on the cited state list; consult the enforcing agency for appeal timelines.
If you cannot find a published penalty, contact the local health department for enforcement guidance.

Applications & Forms

The Texas Department of State Health Services publishes condition-specific reporting instructions and forms; many reports are submitted electronically or by telephone for immediate conditions. If a named form or code is required it will be listed on the DSHS condition page; if no form is published, state guidance instructs telephone notification and local follow-up.See reportable conditions list[1]

Action steps for clinics

  • Train staff on the DSHS reportable-conditions list and internal reporting protocols.
  • Maintain a local public health contact and a 24-hour reporting phone number.
  • Keep standard reporting templates and secure methods for sending patient data to public health.

FAQ

Who is required to report a reportable disease?
Clinicians, laboratories, and certain facility administrators are typically required to report; verify reporter categories on the Texas DSHS reportable conditions page.
How quickly must I report?
Timeframes vary by condition; some conditions require immediate telephone notification and others allow submission within 24 hours—see the DSHS condition entry for exact timing.
What information do I need to provide?
Typical information includes patient identifiers, diagnosis, onset date, and laboratory results; public health may request additional clinical details.

How-To

  1. Identify a suspected or confirmed reportable condition and consult the Texas DSHS list.
  2. Apply immediate infection-control measures and isolate the patient if clinically indicated.
  3. Call your local public health office to notify them for immediately reportable conditions.
  4. Complete and submit any required written or electronic report within the timeframe specified by DSHS.
  5. Preserve records and lab results for public health follow-up and provide additional information when requested.
  6. If you disagree with an enforcement action, request appeal instructions from the enforcing agency.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the Texas DSHS reportable conditions list as the primary reference.
  • Notify local public health promptly for immediate-report conditions.
  • Keep clear records and follow public health instructions.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Texas Department of State Health Services - Reportable Conditions
  2. [2] Texas Administrative Code - Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 97
  3. [3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - NNDSS

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