Health Law and Policy Commons^™

Tuberculosis Quarantine: A Review Of Legal Issues In Ohio And Other States, Paula Mindes

Journal of Law and Health

The increase in tuberculosis cases in the United States in recent years has led to a major reconsideration of long-dormant public health strategies. Isolation of contagious persons, whether at home or in treatment facilities is one of the measures receiving renewed attention. Public health and legal authorities must reassess these measures from the point of view of their necessity, utility and constitutionality. The law currently in force in Ohio originated before expanded protection of civil liberties. If Ohio public health officials find it necessary to use existing quarantine procedures with tuberculosis patients they will be on shaky constitutional ground. As …