2016 Colorado Revised Statutes
Title 25 - Public Health and Environment
Disease Control
Article 4 - Disease Control
Part 5 - Tuberculosis
§ 25-4-506. Investigation and examination of suspected or known tuberculosis cases

(1) The state chief medical officer and all local health officers are directed to use every available means to investigate immediately and ascertain the existence of all reported or suspected cases of active tuberculosis within the health officer's jurisdiction, to determine the sources of such infections, and to identify and evaluate the contacts of such cases and offer treatment as appropriate. In carrying out such investigations, such health officer is invested with full powers of inspection and examination of all persons known to be infected with active tuberculosis and is directed to make or cause to be made such examinations as are deemed necessary of persons who, on reasonable grounds, are suspected of having active tuberculosis in an infectious form.

(2) Whenever a health officer determines on reasonable grounds that an examination of any person is necessary for the preservation and protection of the public health, the health officer shall issue a written order directing medical examination, setting forth the name of the person to be examined, the time and place of the examination, and such other terms and conditions as the health officer may deem necessary. A copy of such order shall be served upon the person. Such an examination may be made by a licensed physician or advanced practice nurse of the person's own choice under such terms and conditions as the health officer shall specify.

(3) Any person who depends exclusively on prayer for healing in accordance with the teachings of any well-recognized religious sect, denomination, or organization, and claims exemptions on such grounds, shall nevertheless be subject to examination, and the provisions of this part 5 regarding compulsory reporting of communicable diseases and isolations shall apply where there is probable cause to suspect that such person has active tuberculosis. Such person shall not be required to submit to any medical treatment or to go to or be confined in a hospital or other medical institution if the person can safely be isolated in the person's own home or other suitable place of the person's choice.

(4) A health officer may conduct screening programs of populations that are at increased risk of developing tuberculosis or having latent tuberculosis infection and offer treatment as appropriate. Such screening programs may be implemented by a local health officer with the approval of the state chief medical officer.