(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 health department 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 indigence 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; s. 96, ch. 97-101; s. 105, ch. 2003-402.