Authority. The governor, along with the state director of health services, has primary authority in a state of emergency involving possible infectious disease. If investigation reveals a suspicion of a highly contagious disease to be accurate, the state or local health authority may declare a quarantine if it is the least intrusive means of protecting public health. A quarantine or isolation should be established by written court order unless there is an urgent threat to public health, in which case the Department of Health or local health authority can initiate a quarantine by written directive provided they file a petition for court order within 10 days. The maximum court order for quarantine is 30 days before requiring a new order.

Penalties. Knowingly or intentionally exposing others to infection or attempting to leave quarantine or isolation is a class 2 misdemeanor. Obstructing an investigation, making a false report, or knowingly assisting someone else in violating quarantine is a class 3 misdemeanor.

Police Power and Limitations. No treatment shall be provided against the will of an individual provided they cooperate with quarantine and sanitation orders. If an individual under quarantine is shown to no longer pose a public health risk, they may be released prior to end of court-ordered period.