The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation
and enforcement of these rules. Where the context in which words are used in
these rules indicates that such is the intent, words in the singular number
shall include the plural and vice versa. Throughout these rules gender pronouns
are used interchangeably except where the context dictates otherwise. The
drafters have attempted to utilize each gender pronoun in equal numbers in
random distribution. Words in each gender shall include individuals of the
other gender.
(a) "Public health
emergency" means an occurrence or imminent threat of an illness or health
condition caused by an epidemic or pandemic disease, a novel and highly fatal
infectious agent or a biological toxin that poses a substantial risk of a
significant number of human fatalities or incidents of permanent or long-term
disability. The governor shall declare when a public health emergency exists or
has ended.
(b) "Confidential" means
the restriction of information and records relating to a known or suspected
case of a reportable disease or condition which has been reported, acquired,
and maintained under
W.S.
35-4-107 and
35-4-108, unless otherwise
required by law.
(c) "Designee" is
an individual appointed by the Health Officer and conducting official business
for and on behalf of the Wyoming Department of Health, a County, City or
District Health Office.
(d) "Health
Officer" is the physician or authorized designee selected by the appointing
authority for a specific jurisdiction: state, county, and/or city.
(e) "Pharmacist" means any individual
licensed and registered with the State Board of Pharmacy.
(f) "Infectious" is the capacity to rapidly
spread infection to other individuals.
(g) "Reportable Disease" is a disease and/or
condition designated as nationally notifiable by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, as well as additional diseases and conditions
considered notifiable by the Wyoming Medical and Public Health
Community.
(h) "Treatment" is the
actual passing or prescribing of medcations or a schedule of health care
procedures established by current medical standards to effect a cure for a
disease or in the case of incurable reportable diseases or conditions, enhance
and/or sustain the patient's life expectancy.
