New-York tribune., 1908-05-22
THE NEW TUBERCULOSIS LAW.

One of the most important and far reaching
legislative measures dealing with tuberculosis
ever enacted has become q law in this state by
the Governors approval Of the Cassidy bill.
This measure, prepared by the State Charities
Aid Association, contains provisions culled from
the codes of the most progressive states, and has
wrought them into a system which, from several
points of view, seems the best one yet devised in
this country. The main features of the new
law are thus summarized:
Tuberculosis is declared to be an infectious
and communicable disease, dangerous TO the
public health. IT is made the duty of every
physfcian to report to the local health authori-
ties all persons known by him to have tuber-
culosis. A similar duty is imposed upon the
chief officers of hospitals dispensaries and SINH
lar institutions Local health authorities are
required to provide for the free examination OF
sputum upon the request of any physician. The
register of persons having tuberculosis is pro-
tected from publicity. Premises vacated by tho
death removal therefrom of d person having
tuberculosis must be reported to the local health
authorities and must not be occupied until prop
erly disinfected. Health officers must visit such
apartments or premises and determine the man
ner in which they shall be disnfected, cleansed
or renovated. Distinction must be done by the
health authorities at public expense. Cleansing
and renovation shall be done by the owner, at
his expense, in accordance with the instructions
of the health authorities. In such orders
are complied with the health officer may
post a suitable placard, preventing the reoccu-
patton of the premises. The health authorities
an investigation thereof, serve notice upon any
person having tuberculosis who disposes of his
sputum in such a manner to cause offence
or danger to others requiring him to dispose
of his sputum in such manner as to remove
all reasonable cause of offence or danger. The
violation of such order Is a misdemeanor.
Health officers must send to physicians report
ing cases of tuberculosis a printed statement
and report approved by the State Commissioner
Of Health. enumerating such procedures and
precautions necessary to be taken on the
premises of tuberculosis patient for the pro-
lection Of other persons occupying the same
premises Physicians may either carry into eff
feet such procedures and precautions, for which
they shall receive the fee of 81, or If unwilling
or unable to take such steps shall so certify to
the health authorities and the duty shall there
upon deVolve upon the health authorities. who
for the performance thereof shall receive a
similar sum. Health authorities shall also send
to physicians printed reQusition enumeratfng
the supplies and materials kept on hand by
them for the prevention of the spread of tuber-
culosis and shall so far possible fill the
reduistions OF physicians for such materials, in
Guiding circulars Of information concerning the
treatment Of the disease and the precautions to
be taken.
It would be difficult to draft law against
tuberculosis which could be more effective with
out becoming inequitably drastic. IF its prOvi-
sons are enforced New York State may hope to
be freed from mankind's severest affection.