Local health departments shall:
(1) Maintain a surveillance system for influenza during the appropriate season which may include:
(a) Monitoring of excess school absenteeism;
(b) Sample check with health care providers, clinics, nursing homes, and hospitals regarding influenza-like illnesses; and
(c) Monitoring of workplace absenteeism and other mechanisms.
(2) Encourage submission of appropriate clinical specimens from a sample of patients with influenza-like illness to the Washington state public health laboratories or other laboratory approved by the state health officer.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 00-23-120, § 246-101-525, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]