1. (1) DSHS prepares and maintains public records that relate to the programs it administers. All records DSHS uses to conduct business are public records.

   DSHS public records may include documents, audio and video recordings, pictures, email, and electronic data.

2. (2) DSHS public records are available to the public unless a law exempts them from disclosure. Some DSHS records are confidential and not available to everyone. Records exempt from public disclosure are listed under chapter 42.56 RCW, WAC 388-01-120, and other federal and state laws applicable to DSHS.
3. (3) Clients, or someone authorized to act for a client, may access confidential records about the client that are exempt from disclosure to the public unless specifically prohibited by law.
4. (4) Upon request, DSHS may provide access to records such as rules, policies, indexes, interpretive statements, pamphlets, forms, and other publications at cost under WAC 388-01-180 without using the public records request process.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.56.040. WSR 23-19-028, § 388-01-030, filed 9/12/23, effective 10/13/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.56.040 and chapter 42.56 RCW. WSR 19-02-018, § 388-01-030, filed 12/21/18, effective 1/21/19. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.56.040. WSR 18-05-021, § 388-01-030, filed 2/9/18, effective 3/12/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 41.17.020 [ 42.17.250], 41.17.260 [ 42.17.260], and 41.17.300 [ 42.17.300]. WSR 03-17-014, § 388-01-030, filed 8/12/03, effective 9/12/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.250 and 34.05.220. WSR 99-15-065, § 388-01-030, filed 7/19/99, effective 8/19/99.]