Who must be notified when a resident has a communicable disease?

When a resident has a communicable disease, notifying the city or county health officer is essential. This is because local health authorities play a crucial role in monitoring public health and controlling the spread of infectious diseases. They have the necessary resources and protocols in place to manage such situations, which includes enforcing isolation or quarantine measures, conducting contact tracing, and providing guidance on treatment and prevention strategies.

By involving the local health officer, the facility can ensure compliance with public health laws and regulations, which are designed to protect the health of the resident, other residents, and the wider community. The health officer also has the authority to coordinate with other healthcare facilities and public health entities, which can be critical in managing outbreaks or preventing further transmission of the disease.

While notifying the facility director and the resident's family may also be necessary for internal communication and support, the primary responsibility for public health concerns related to communicable diseases falls to local health authorities. The local hospital may be involved in treatment but does not have the public health oversight role that the health officer has.