WAC 388-01-030. What public records are available?

(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) 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) 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) 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.