23-01-15. Research studies confidential - Penalty

23-01-15. Research studies confidential - Penalty 1. All information, records of interviews, written reports, statements, notes, memoranda, or other data procured by the department of health and human services, in connection with studies conducted by the department of health and human services, or carried on by the department jointly with other persons, agencies, or organizations, or procured by such other persons, agencies, or organizations, for the purpose of reducing the morbidity or mortality from any cause or condition of health is confidential and must be used solely for the purposes of medical or scientific research. 2. Such information, records, reports, statements, notes, memoranda, or other data is not admissible as evidence in any action of any kind in any court or before any other tribunal, board, agency, or person. Such information, records, reports, statements, notes, memoranda, or other data may not be exhibited nor their contents disclosed in any way, in whole or in part, by any officer or representative of the department of health and human services, nor by any other person, except as may be necessary for the purpose of furthering the research project to which they relate. No person participating in such research project may disclose, in any manner, the information so obtained except in strict conformity with such research project. No officer or employee of said department may interview any patient named in any such report, nor a relative of any such patient, unless the consent of the attending physician and surgeon is first obtained. 3. The furnishing of such information to the department of health and human services or its authorized representative, or to any other cooperating agency in such research project, does not subject any person, hospital, sanitarium, rest home, nursing home, or other person or agency furnishing such information, to any action for damages or other relief.