April 6, 2022: Update: Reporting COVID-19 Cases and SARS-CoV-2 Test Results
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is issuing this Health Update to provide reporting laboratories and healthcare providers information regarding the changes in the reporting requirements for COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 test results in Missouri.
During the early stages of the pandemic response there were several changes to the reporting rules that were established through waivers during the State of Emergency issued by Governor Parson. The changes included the requirement that both negative and positive test results for COVID-19 were to be reported to DHSS within twenty-four hours. Additionally, reporters were required to only report directly to DHSS rather than having the option to report to either the Local Public Health Agency (LPHA) or DHSS. After the State of Emergency was lifted by Governor Parson, DHSS filed an emergency amendment to allow these requirements to continue. However, on April 1, 2022, DHSS terminated this emergency amendment and as a result, these requirements no longer exist. Please consider the following guidance regarding the reporting of COVID-19 and laboratory tests results for SARS-CoV-2.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains an immediately reportable condition in Missouri. All positive laboratory results are required to continue to be reported to DHSS or the LPHA in accordance with rules established in 19 CSR 20.20.020. Healthcare providers, laboratories, and other mandated reporters should continue to report all COVID-19 positive test results including results from all Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests such as RT-PCR tests, and all rapid and antigen tests results for SARS-CoV-2. The reporting of positive home use tests is optional. However, DHSS will no longer require, or accept, negative laboratory results for SARS-CoV-2. In addition, DHSS is no longer requesting the routine reporting of positive or negative antibody tests results for SARS-CoV-2.
DHSS greatly appreciates the continued collaboration of our partners in healthcare and clinical laboratories. For questions regarding this Health Update and the reporting of COVID-19 in Missouri, please contact the DHSS Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or contact your local public health agency.