(1) It is unlawful for any person who has active tuberculosis and who knows or has been informed of that fact to willfully expose other persons to the disease.
(2) Any person who violates subsection (1) commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(3) Any person who maliciously disseminates any false information or report concerning the existence of tuberculosis commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(4)(a) In addition to any administrative action authorized by chapter 120 or by other law, a person who violates any provision of the department’s rules pertaining to tuberculosis or the requirements for reporting tuberculosis under s. 392.53 may be punished by a fine not to exceed $500 for each violation. Any penalties enforced under this subsection shall be in addition to other penalties provided by this chapter.
(b) In determining the amount of fine to be imposed, if any, for a violation, the department shall consider:
1. The gravity of the violation, including the probability that death or serious physical or emotional harm to any person will result or has resulted, the severity of the actual or potential harm, and the extent to which the applicable law or rule was violated.
2. Actions taken to correct the violation.
3. Any previous violation.
(c) All amounts collected under this subsection shall be deposited into an appropriate trust fund of the department.
History.—s. 1, ch. 88-389; s. 1, ch. 88-398; s. 67, ch. 91-224; s. 17, ch. 94-320.