Tuberculosis Control Laws and Policies: A Handbook for Public Health and Legal Practitioners

Despite the inception of modern treatments and public health interventions, tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health threat in the U.S. and abroad in the twenty-first century. The challenge of controlling TB in its traditional and new multidrug-resistant forms requires public health agencies at the federal, tribal, state, and local levels to develop and apply new tools. Among these tools is the use of law in support of efforts to effectively control cases of TB.

The purpose of this Handbook is to provide a practical source of information on laws related to TB control to help public health practitioners and their legal counsel to: (1) understand the legal environment for the control of communicable diseases, including TB; (2) identify and explain legal issues in TB control; and (3) consider the use of tools for improving TB control. The Handbook is not designed to provide specific legal guidance or advice, and does not represent the official legal positions of federal, state, tribal, or local governments. Users should contact their legal advisors for legal guidance concerning the scope and extent of public health laws in any jurisdiction.