(1) The state health officer and department employees shall maintain the confidentiality of health care information in accordance with chapter
70.02 RCW, RCW
42.56.360(2), and any other applicable confidentiality laws.
(2) The state health officer shall establish and implement confidentiality policies and procedures related to employee handling of health care information under this chapter.
(3) The state health officer or department shall:
(a) Require all department employees, contractors, and others with access to health information to sign confidentiality agreements;
(b) Retain current signed confidentiality agreements;
(c) Reference in confidentiality agreements the penalties for violation of chapter
70.24 RCW and administrative actions that may be taken by the department if the confidentiality agreement is violated; and
(d) Renew confidentiality agreements at least annually.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
43.20.050. WSR 21-11-040 and 22-01-175, § 246-101-610, filed 5/12/21 and 12/17/21, effective 1/1/23; WSR 11-02-065, § 246-101-610, filed 1/4/11, effective 2/4/11. Statutory Authority: RCW
43.20.050,
43.70.545 and
70.104.030. WSR 00-23-120, § 246-101-610, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]