Implementation System of a Biosurveillance System in the Republic of Korea and Its Legal Ramifications

Kim, Amanda J.; Tak, Sangwoo

Second, diseases are not detected as early as possible because the Act requires a clear medical diagnosis and, at times, further epidemiologic investigation. Third, the Act does not address the need for data integration. Without constant exchange and integration of data, detection of novel threats is difficult. Fourth, the Act does not include guidelines on detection of disease other than by voluntary reporting. Fifth, while an immediate response is problematic in the absence of early detection, it is further hampered by the multiple hierarchal levels of reporting mandated by the IDCPA. Finally, the legislation does not recognize the importance of collaborative governance. Although not analyzed in this study, there are other surveillance-related legislation and national strategies-notably, the Act on Counter-Terrorism for the Protection of Citizens and Public Security, and Guidelines on Bioterror Infectious Disease Preparedness and Responsiveness. However, these do not propose integration of data or collaboration among agencies. 26, 27 Rather, they outline the agencies responsible for certain situations, which hampers timely response to unexpected or novel situations.