Detention for tuberculosis: public health and the law.
Non-compliance with treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) by an individual can put the community at risk of transmission of TB. Public health (detention) orders can be issued to detain non-compliant individuals, but this is a last resort and rarely used. Two recent cases in New South Wales illustrate the process of issuing a public health order in NSW, and some of the issues that may arise. The NSW law can also be applied to patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) or HIV/AIDS. The other states and territories have similar laws, which often apply to a broader range of diseases and have fewer limits on issuing and extending orders.
Senanayake
Sanjaya N
SN
South Eastern Sydney Public Health Unit, Locked Bag 88, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia. senanayakes@sesahs.nsw.gov.au
Ferson
Mark J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D035846:Law Enforcement; D008297:Male; D009517:New South Wales; D011329:Prisoners / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000517:prevention & control*