Public health laws stem from the industrial revolution. During that time, states were challenged with diseases emanating from undeveloped infrastructures for concentrated housing, migration to cities, and poor working conditions. Public health laws are an instrument of public health practice enacted through a democratic process which itemize measures to be taken by the government to preserve public health (Chorba, Berkelman, Safford, Gibbs, & Hull, 1989; Gostin, 2004; Sepulveda et al., 1992; Stephen B Thacker & Berkelman, 1988). This section describes the implementation of these laws, regulations, and policies as they affect data collection for the investigation and monitoring of notifiable infections.
In Canada, public health acts are enacted and administered by each province and their jurisdictions. Most start with a purpose clause, allowing the health minister or delegate (usually a medical officer of health) to prevent disease and promote the health of residents (Prince Edward Island Public Health Act, 2014; Quebec Public Health Act, 2016). They contain very broad powers for a minister of health or a delegated medical officer of health to do anything, including forbid or order an action to prevent a hazard (Ontario, 2015; Quebec Public Health Act, 2016).
As part of disease prevention, records of infected individuals are required to be reported to a medical officer or a delegate so that:
Sources are investigated (Ontario, 2015) and patients are treated appropriately (Chorba et al., 1989; Northwest Territories Public Health Act, 2011).
Incidence of infections are monitored regularly to distinguish unusual frequency, manifestations, demography, and locations with the goal of preventing disease (British Columbia, 2016; Quebec Public Health Act, 2016).
Mandated surveillance system is evaluated.
Patient management is audited.
The control program is evaluated.
The first two goals are most commonly cited in legislation and public health surveillance texts. Goals 3, 4, and 5 are also important for the purpose of quality public health professional practice, government financial accountability, and to clarify health department responsibilities for disease prevention efforts (Campbell, 2004; Gostin, 2000; Jajosky & Groseclose, 2004).
Notifiable Disease: A communicable infection which is designated as such under the public health act and regulations of a jurisdiction. Usually these are; common, severe, easily prevented, highly communicable, costly, generate fear in people, and/or show changes in manifestation, population affected, or geographic range.