IntroductionTuberculosis (TB) is a notifiable communicable disease that requires immediate reporting, and in 2006 the state of Maine received information about a homeless man with resistant tuberculosis to a single drug. The man had been diagnosed with tuberculosis in another state and did not complete treatment. This led to the exposure of over 100 people in the county jail and a homeless shelter, with 6 confirmed cases. The man remained in hospital for 2 months for treatment, education and to find a place where he could continue his 6 month treatment. He informed the hospital that he would not continue treatment after he was discharged. To avoid further drug resistance, public health officials have requested a court order mandating treatment. He was admitted to a long-term facility for treatment, but left the facility after 8 days. This prompted a warrant for his arrest and once arrested he was subsequently ordered to move to a secure environment outside of Maine, to the tuberculosis treatment unit at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, to complete treatment.1 DiscussionMaine Laws That Allow Public Health Officials to Take ActionThere are regulations and several statutes that allow Maine public health officials to take this action. The first statute is §802 - Authority of the Department, subsection 2 - Health Emergency which states that if a public health threat exists the department “may adopt emergency rules for the protection of the public health,” and this includes the isolation of infected individuals for treatment, cure, and control of infection.2 Maine CDC Chapter 258, Section 6 - Duties of Health Care Providers and Caregivers states that those dealing with a case of notifiable disease must report a non-compliant person for the necessary... ... middle of paper ...... blic healthcare providers can implement graduated medical treatments to protect public health and strategize in case of non-compliance. As in Jacobson v. Massachusetts, the state has used its police power to protect the public from harm. In United States v. Shinnick, Ellen Siegel, the State had no evidence that Ms. Siegel was exposed or had symptoms, yet the testimony and concerns of the medical community were sufficient to justify the imposed isolation. The role of the state is to protect its citizen. This also means protecting those who are at risk and vulnerable by providing the best care in their best interests and in the interests of the general public. Quarantine and isolations should only be used when necessary due to non-compliance and in the least restrictive way possible, protecting the rights of the individual and keeping citizens safe.