Discontinuation of Reporting COVID-19 Negative Laboratory Results

Background

As COVID-19 trends continue to decrease across the nation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is planning for the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), declared under Section 319 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, to expire at the end of the day on May 11, 2023. Although COVID-19 remains a public health priority, the emergency phase of the COVID-19 response will be ending.

Impact on Laboratory Reporting in Nevada

As a result of ending the PHE declaration, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act authority for HHS to require laboratory result reporting will be revoked. In response, the COVID-19 laboratory result reporting requirement within Nevada will change. As of the end of the day on May 11, 2023, negative and inconclusive COVID-19 results will no longer be required to be reported regardless of the type of test performed. All positive COVID-19 results will continue to be reportable with the exception of self-administered at-home tests and serology testing. The table below outlines the updated reporting requirements, effective end of the day on May 11, 2023:

Overview of SARS CoV-2 Reporting Requirements by Certificate Type, Test Complexity, and Testing Platform (beginning May 12, 2023):

Questions:

For updated guidance, visit the News and Updates section or review the Division of Public and Behavioral Health Technical Bulletin web page regularly. Email stateepi@health.nv.gov for other questions on this topic.