Health & Safety Code · ch. 81

Public Health

Public Health is covered under ch. 81 and tested on the TCOLE peace officer licensing exam.

To prove this offense, the State must establish each of the following elements: DSHS commissioner authority; Quarantine / isolation / control measures; Local LE assists with enforcement; Criminal violation: §81.082 / §81.083.

Elements you must prove

  • DSHS commissioner authority
  • Quarantine / isolation / control measures
  • Local LE assists with enforcement
  • Criminal violation: §81.082 / §81.083

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Worked examples

Worked example 1

Public health emergency authority under HSC ch. 81:

  1. Police only
  2. Department of State Health Services (DSHS) commissioner has broad authority during a public health disaster — quarantine, isolation, control measures; local LE often enforces Correct
  3. Federal authorities only
  4. Doctors only
Why: Ch. 81 authorizes DSHS to declare disease control areas, issue quarantine and isolation orders, and direct enforcement. Local law enforcement commonly assists with enforcement and service of orders.
Statute: Tex. Health & Safety Code ch. 81 (Communicable Diseases)