392.55 Physical examination and
treatment. ---
(1) Subject to the provisions of subsections (3) and (4), the
department and its authorized representatives may petition the circuit court
to examine or cause to be examined, or treat to cure or cause to be treated to
cure, any person who has, or is reasonably suspected of having or having been
exposed to, active tuberculosis.
(2) Subject to the provisions of subsections (3) and (4), a
person who has active tuberculosis or is reasonably suspected of having or
having been exposed to active tuberculosis shall report for complete
examination or treatment to cure, as appropriate, on an outpatient basis to a
physician licensed under chapter 458 or chapter 459, or shall submit to
examination or treatment to cure, as appropriate, at a county public health
unit or other public facility. When a person has been diagnosed as having
active tuberculosis, he or she shall continue with the prescribed treatment on
an outpatient basis, which includes the use of directly observed therapy,
until such time as the disease is determined to be cured.
(3) A person may not be apprehended or examined on an outpatient
basis for active tuberculosis without consent, except upon the presentation of
a warrant duly authorized by a circuit court. In requesting the issuance of
such a warrant, the department must show by a preponderance of evidence that a
threat to the public health would exist unless such a warrant is issued and
must show that all other reasonable means of obtaining compliance have been
exhausted and that no other less restrictive alternative is
available.
(4) A warrant requiring a person to be apprehended or examined on
an outpatient basis may not be issued unless:
(a) A hearing has been held with respect to which the person has
received at least 72 hours' prior written notification and has received a list
of the proposed actions to be taken and the reasons for each such action.
However, with the consent of the person or the person's counsel, a hearing may
be held within less than 72 hours.
(b) The person has the right to attend the hearing, to cross-examine
witnesses, and to present evidence. After review and consultation by the
court, counsel for the person may waive the client's presence or allow the
client to appear by television monitor where available.
(c) The court advises the person of the right to have legal counsel
present. If the person is insolvent and unable to employ counsel, the court
shall appoint legal counsel for the person pursuant to the indigency criteria
in s. 27.52.
(5) The circuit court, legal counsel, and local law enforcement
officials, as appropriate, shall consult with the department concerning any
necessary infection control procedures to be taken during any court hearing or
detention.
History: s. 1, ch. 88-389, s. 1, ch. 88-398; s. 6, ch. 94-320; s. 1041, ch.
95-148.