(1) Applications by government agencies for information or records deemed private and confidential by chapter 50.13 RCW shall be made to the responsible departmental employees specified in WAC 192-15-040. The applications shall be in writing on forms provided by the department.

(a) If the departmental employee is reasonably satisfied that the application meets the requirements of RCW 50.13.060, the government agency may have access to the information or records.

(b) If the departmental employee is not reasonably satisfied that the application meets the requirements of RCW 50.13.060 and refuses access, the agency may attach its application to the form specified by WAC 192-15-040(4) and obtain review of the refusal in the manner outlined in WAC 192-15-040 and 192-15-050.

(2) In the event of a refusal by a responsible departmental employee to release records or information under RCW 50.13.060(3), the government agency can immediately contact the commissioner for appeal.

(3) RCW 50.13.060(5) shall be interpreted to permit establishment of routine procedures for detection of fraud by claimants under the various social programs administered by government agencies. This statute permits access only to information needed to identify individuals improperly claiming under different programs. Further investigation of employment security department files concerning these individuals may be accomplished only if the normal requirements of RCW 50.13.060 are met.

(4) The term "other official of the agency" as used in RCW 50.13.060 (1)(b) means an employee who has substantial responsibility for the operation of the requesting agency or for one or more of its programs or administrative units.