41-1959. Confidential information; permissible disclosure; rules; violation; classification

A. Unless otherwise provided by law, all personally identifiable information concerning any applicant, claimant, recipient, employer or client is confidential and shall not be released unless ordered by a superior court judge or provided for by rule of court except as provided in subsections B, C and D of this section. Department records and files that contain information related to investigations conducted by child protective services or the department of child safety are confidential. The department shall release this information only as prescribed by section 8-807.

B. Employees of the department of economic security, the department of law and the court may obtain the information described in subsection A of this section in the performance of their duties as authorized by rules adopted by the director.

C. Employees of the department of economic security, the department of law and the court may release any information that is otherwise held confidential under this section under any of the following circumstances:

1. To the applicant, claimant, recipient, employer or client if a request is made in writing by any of such persons specifically requesting information that directly relates to the person requesting such information.

2. To the extent necessary to make claims on behalf of a client for public or private assistance, insurance or health or medical assistance pursuant to title 11, chapter 2, article 7 or title 36, chapter 29 to which the client may be entitled.

3. In oral and written communications involving the provision of services or the referral to services between employees of, persons under contract with, or persons holding a general employment relationship with the department of economic security, the department of law or the juvenile court.

4. If the disclosure of otherwise confidential information is necessary to protect against a clear and substantial risk of imminent serious injury to a client.

5. To agencies of the federal government, a state, a political subdivision of any state or a tribal government for official purposes. All information received by a governmental agency pursuant to this paragraph shall be maintained as confidential, except where pertinent to a criminal prosecution.

6. To foster parents and persons certified to adopt if necessary to assist in the placement with or care of a child by such persons.

7. In any judicial or administrative proceeding involving an adult protective services client if the director of the department considers the information pertinent to the proceeding.

8. To the entities as specified in section 23-722.04, subsections A and E for the development of a state workforce evaluation data system and program performance purposes and other program and research purposes as defined in a data sharing agreement but not including information regarding adult or child protection actions.

D. Notwithstanding section 46-135, a standing committee of the legislature or a committee appointed by the president of the senate or the speaker of the house of representatives may obtain the information described in subsection A of this section on written notification to the director. Information obtained pursuant to this subsection may be used only for purposes of conducting investigations related to legislative oversight of the department. Information that is personally identifiable shall not be further disclosed.

E. Any violation of this section is a class 2 misdemeanor.

F. The department shall establish safeguards against the unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information in title IV-D cases.