1. (1) The purpose of this chapter is to provide critical information to public health authorities to aid them in protecting and improving the public's health through prevention and control of infectious and noninfectious conditions. Public health authorities use the information gathered under this chapter to take appropriate action including, but not limited to:

   1. (a) Treating ill persons;
   2. (b) Providing preventive therapies for individuals who came into contact with infectious agents;
   3. (c) Investigating and halting outbreaks;
   4. (d) Removing harmful health exposures from the environment;
   5. (e) Assessing broader health-related patterns, including historical trends, geographic clustering, and risk factors; and
   6. (f) Redirecting program activities and developing policies based on broader health-related patterns.
2. (2) This chapter establishes notification requirements and standards for conditions that pose a threat to public health consistent with the purpose as established in this section.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, 70.28.032, 70.104.055, 43.70.545, and 70.24.130. WSR 21-11-040 and 22-01-175, § 246-101-005, filed 5/12/21 and 12/17/21, effective 1/1/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 00-23-120, § 246-101-005, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]