Submission of Electronic Reportable Lab Results to Public Health Agencies - The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology

ELR is the automated transmission of laboratory data from commercial, public health, hospital, and other labs to state and local public health departments through an electronic health record (EHR) system or a Laboratory Information System (LIS).

ELR supports a PHA’s ability to:

• Identify reportable conditions
• Increase timeliness and accuracy of case reporting
• Improve confirmation rates for communicable conditions

PHAs collect communicable disease information to detect communicable diseases, improve timeline and comprehensive reporting, and ensure general population health. State laws and regulations mandate that health care providers and laboratories report specified diseases and conditions to their local health officer.