Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 36, September 6, 2024
Section 64-7-8 - Other Reportable Events: Surveillance Evaluation and Special Studies8.1. As necessary, the Commissioner may conduct special studies to evaluate the completeness, timeliness and accuracy of the surveillance and epidemiological information reported under this rule. In the process of conducting surveillanceevaluation, the Commissioner may request any of the following information from providers, facilities, laboratories, or other individuals named in this rule: 8.1.a. Computerized or paper reports of cases diagnosed during a limited timeframe, usually during a one year interval, but not more than five years;8.1.b. Specified laboratory results collected over a limited timeframe, usually during a one year interval, but not more than five years;8.1.c. Access to records to perform audits for completeness, accuracy and timeliness of reporting, or8.1.d. Any other information required to verify the completeness and accuracy of reporting.8.2. In addition, the Commissioner may conduct special studies on the health of the population for the purposes of quantifying the risk to the population or access to appropriate prevention and control services or validating information collected through surveillance data. Studies may include cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, cohort studies or other similar study designs where ill and well persons are evaluated or interviewed or information is collected on these individuals. All information collected in these studies, whether on ill or well persons is confidential and not discoverable under the state freedom of information act, W. Va. Code 29B-1-1, et seq. Information may be released in aggregate for the purposes of informing the public about the health risk or the quality of the surveillance system.