Washington § 49.17.062 - Employer — Public health emergency — Infectious or contagious diseases — Positive tests — Reporting, duty, and procedure.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 49.17.062 — Employer — Public health emergency — Infectious or contagious diseases — Positive tests — Reporting, duty, and procedure., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 49.17.062. Employer — Public health emergency — Infectious or contagious diseases — Positive tests — Reporting, duty, and procedure.

(1) During a public health emergency:

(a) An employer with more than 50 employees at a workplace or worksite, within 24 hours of confirming that 10 or more of their employees at the workplace or worksite in this state have tested positive for the infectious or contagious disease that is the subject of the public health emergency, must report the positive tests to the department in a form prescribed by the department.

(b) The department must consult with the department of health on the infectious or contagious disease that is the subject of the public health emergency:

(i) Before issuing regulatory guidance, rules, directives, or orders for health care facilities under this section; and

(ii) When investigating health care entities and issuing citations under this section.

(c) The report required in (a) of this subsection may not include any employee names or personal identifying information.

(2) The department may use the reports in subsection (1) of this section to identify potential clusters of infections at specific workplaces or industries and investigate workplaces for violations of this chapter.

(3) During a public health emergency, the name, email and residential addresses, license plate number, and other personally identifiable information regarding employees of the department are exempt from disclosure under chapter 42.56 RCW to the extent that the disclosure would violate their right to privacy or pose a risk to their personal safety or security.

(4) This section does not require an employee to disclose any medical condition or diagnosis to their employer.

(5) This section does not alter or eliminate any other reporting obligations an employer has under state or federal law.

(6)(a) During a public health emergency, no employer may discharge, permanently replace, or in any manner discriminate against an employee who is high risk as a result of the employee:

(i) Seeking accommodation that protects them from the risk of exposure to the infectious or contagious disease; or

(ii) If no accommodation is reasonable, utilizing all available leave options, including but not limited to leave without pay and unemployment insurance, until completion of the public health emergency or accommodation is made available.

(b) This subsection (6) does not alter or diminish any existing remedy available to the worker under current state or federal law.

(i) Due to age or an underlying health condition, is at a high risk of severe illness from the disease that is the subject of the public health emergency, as defined by the centers for disease control and prevention; and

(ii) A medical provider has recommended the employee's removal from the workforce because of their high risk of severe illness.

(7) For the purposes of this section, "public health emergency" means a declaration or order concerning any infectious or contagious diseases, including a pandemic and is issued as follows:

(a) The president of the United States has declared a national or regional emergency that covers every county in the state of Washington; or

(b) The governor of Washington has declared a state of emergency under RCW 43.06.010(12) in every county in the state.

[ 2021 c 252 s 2.]

Notes

Short title—Effective date—2021 c 252: See notes following RCW 51.32.181.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 49.17.062

What does Revised Code of Washington § 49.17.062 cover?

Section 49.17.062 ("Employer — Public health emergency — Infectious or contagious diseases — Positive tests — Reporting, duty, and procedure.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 49.17.062?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 49.17.062" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 49.17.062 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Official text of § 49.17.062 at the Washington source

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.