Medical Provider Information and Resources

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The following information is intended for medical providers in Washoe County to help navigate information and resources that are available regarding sexual health.

Resources

Testing & Treatment Guidelines

PrEP/PEP

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are the Nevada Revised Statues and Nevada Administrative Codes relevant to Providers concerning communicable disease, including STDs/HIV? What do they say?

NAC 441A.230: Outlines the duty of health care providers in reporting a case or suspected case of communicable disease to health authorities. This Nevada Administrative Code enumerates requirements and content of the mandatory report by providers for communicable disease. Refer to box 5 for specific requirements.

NRS 441A.150: States that a provider of health care who knows of, or provides services to, a person who has or is suspected of having a communicable disease shall report that fact to the health authority in the in the manner prescribed by regulations of the Nevada State Board of Health. For STDs/HIV this is required within one day.

NRS 441A.165: States that health authorities shall, for the protection and welfare of the public, have access to all medical records, laboratory records and reports, books and papers relevant to the investigation which are in the possession of a provider of health care or medical facility being investigated or which are otherwise necessary to carry out the investigation. The determination of what information is necessary to carry out the investigation is at the discretion of the health authority.

What communicable diseases am I required to report?

Click here for a list from Northern Nevada Public Health.

In regards to STDs, what diseases am I required to report?

The most common reportable STDs are Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection (HIV).  Additional reportable STDs are located in NAC 441A.775.

Why do I have to report cases and suspected cases if the lab reports directly to Northern Nevada Public Health?

Health care providers collect valuable information that help health authorities manage communicable disease in our communities and this information must be communicated. For the health and welfare of the public, health authorities must collect demographics, notes from providers, medical reports, and other relevant information in conjunction with lab reports. It is, therefore, the duty and responsibility of health care providers to report cases and suspected cases of communicable disease themselves.

What am I required to fill out and attach as a provider on the reporting form for a case or suspected case of communicable disease, including sexually transmitted disease/HIV?

According to NAC 441A.230 the report must include:

  • Communicable disease or suspected communicable disease
  • Name and the address or telephone number of case or suspected cases.
  • The name and address or telephone number of health care provider making the report.
  • The occupation, employer, age, sex, race, and date of birth of the case or suspected case.
  • The date of onset and the date of diagnosis of the communicable disease.
  • Any other information requested by the health authority, if available.
  • Make sure to fill out the form completely with all requested information listed on the form.
  • Attach demographic face sheet, provider notes, and other case related documents.

What forms should I use to report STDs / HIV and other communicable diseases?

Reports can be made by FAX or telephone to the Communicable Disease Program at 775-328-2447 or fax at 775-328-3764. For any questions you may email epicenter@nnph.org (confidential information should not be reported via email). More information available Communicable Disease Reporting.

What about HIPPA? What information am I able to provide to the Health Department?

As a provider, you are able to release information relevant to the case or suspected case including demographics, names, address, phone number, diagnosis, etc. to health authorities working per NRS 441A.165. Health authorities are given access to all medical records and reports, books, and papers relevant to their investigation in possession of the health care provider or medical facility. The HIPPA privacy rule recognizes the legitimate need for the disclosure of protected health information to health authorities for public health and safety (CFR 164.512(b)).

Why report STDs and HIV?

  1. Patients receive appropriate and timely treatment
  2. Protects the health of the public
  3. Helps with disease surveillance efforts
  4. Helps monitor disease burden on the community level
  5. It is the law. Failure or delay to report is a misdemeanor under NRS 441A.910. Under NRS 441A.920 violators are also subject to a $1,000 fine per violation. 

Where can I send patients for more information and resources?

Where can I get the most up to date information on treatment of STDs and HIV?

Where can I get information on how to better integrate sexual health conversations and preventive services as a health care provider?

Sexual Health and Your Patients: A Provider’s Guide

Why is this an issue?

Nevada has a high burden of STDs and is ranked as the highest nationally in primary and secondary syphilis cases and 4th for congenital syphilis cases. Nevada also has the highest rate of new HIV cases in the western half of the U.S. For more information read: EPI-NEWS Special Edition: Reported Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV in Washoe County Highlighted the Need for Testing and intervention

Where do I get information on PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)?

It is important to follow the testing procedures for PrEP. The following websites provide more information on HIV prevention, PrEP, treatment, risk assessment, guidelines, and more.  

Last modified on 10/13/2023