Case Definition for Reportable Overdose
An overdose should be reported if considered by the reporter to be life threatening, or in the case of a fatality to be due primarily to a drug overdose (OD). The report should occur regardless of the substance(s) thought to be responsible. This definition is not meant to include indirect effects of substance use such as the risk associated with driving while intoxicated.

Confidentiality and Follow-Up Considerations
Your facility is being asked to report all drug overdoses (OD’s) to the Okanogan County Public Health District (OCPHD) rather than issuing a “Health Order” mandating this reporting as a notifiable condition. The opioid epidemic like any epidemic, is tracked over time by public health. In addition, although an OD is a medical condition resulting from drug poisoning, some who experience overdoses may have substance use disorders for which treatment can be offered. The opportunity to offer such help is a second important reason for making OD’s notifiable. Okanogan Behavioral Health Care is to receive these reports from OCPHD IF patient signs referral follow-up for substance use disorder and wants help. These procedures are adopted to assure patient confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA and CFR 42.