43.06A.050 - Confidentiality. - Washington Statutes

Confidentiality.

The ombudsman shall treat all matters under investigation, including the identities of service recipients, complainants, and individuals from whom information is acquired, as confidential, except as far as disclosures may be necessary to enable the ombudsman to perform the duties of the office and to support any recommendations resulting from an investigation. Upon receipt of information that by law is confidential or privileged, the ombudsman shall maintain the confidentiality of such information and shall not further disclose or disseminate the information except as provided by applicable state or federal law. Investigative records of the office of the ombudsman are confidential and are exempt from public disclosure under chapter 42.56 RCW.

[2005 c 274 § 294; 1996 c 131 § 6.]

Notes: Part headings not law -- Effective date -- 2005 c 274: See RCW 42.56.901 and 42.56.902.