WAC 246-101-710   Handling of case reports and medical information.  (1) The department of labor and industries shall establish and maintain confidentiality procedures related to employee handling of all reports of cases and suspected cases, prohibiting disclosure of report information identifying an individual case or suspected cases except:

     (a) To employees of the local health department, the department, or other official agencies needing to know for the purpose of administering public health laws and these regulations; and

     (b) To health care providers, specific designees of health care facilities, laboratory directors, and others for the purpose of collecting additional information about a case or suspected case as required for occupational condition prevention and control.

     (2) The department of labor and industries shall require and maintain signed confidentiality agreements with all employees, contractors, and others with access to identifying information related to a case or suspected case of a person diagnosed with a notifiable condition. Such agreements will be renewed at least annually and include reference to criminal and civil penalties for violation of chapter 70.02 RCW, other chapters of pertinent state law, and other administrative actions that may be taken by the department of labor and industries.

     (3) The department of labor and industries may release statistical summaries and epidemiological studies based on individual case reports if no individual is identified or identifiable.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 00-23-120, § 246-101-710, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]