The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is seeking public input on proposed changes to the regulations that govern how communicable diseases are reported and managed in the state. The rules, outlined in 6 CCR 1009-1, specify which diseases must be reported to CDPHE and local public health agencies.
These regulations define the authority of public health officials to investigate causes of epidemic and communicable diseases, implement control measures, and access medical records when necessary for investigations. They also clarify what conditions and outbreaks must be reported, who is responsible for reporting them, the required timelines, and methods for submitting reports.
A draft of the updated rules along with a memo explaining the proposed changes is available on CDPHE’s communicable disease rulemaking webpage (https://cdphe.colorado.gov/communicable-disease-rulemaking).
Community members can provide feedback by attending a virtual public listening session scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. on September 16, 2025. Registration is required in advance through CDPHE’s website (https://cdphe.colorado.gov/communicable-disease-rulemaking). Alternatively, comments may be submitted using an online feedback form by 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 25.
According to CDPHE, “Feedback submitted at this time is for consideration by CDPHE in drafting the proposed rule updates. CDPHE program staff will consider it and potentially incorporate it into the request for rulemaking packet submitted to the Board of Health. Feedback submitted at this time will not be directly transmitted to the Board of Health or become a part of the official rule record. Once the Board of Health grants the request for rulemaking, the public will have the opportunity to submit comments directly to the Board of Health, which will be included in their entirety with the formal record.”
The current opportunity allows stakeholders’ input before formal consideration by Colorado’s Board of Health.
