65-525. Disclosure of certain information prohibited, exceptions; consent to disseminate certain information required. (a) Records in the possession of the department of health and environment or its agents regarding child care facilities or maternity centers shall not be released publicly in a manner that would identify individuals, except individual names of licensees, applicants, facilities and maternity centers may be released. Nothing in this section prohibits release of any information as required by law.

(b) Records in the possession of the department of health and environment or its agents regarding child care facilities or maternity centers may be released to: (1) An agency or organization authorized to receive notice under K.S.A. 65-506, and amendments thereto; (2) any local, state or federal governmental entity or subdivision thereof; (3) any child and adult care food program sponsoring agency; or (4) any disaster or emergency entity.

(c) The secretary of health and environment shall prohibit the release of the name, address and telephone number of a maternity center or child care facility when the secretary determines that prohibition of the release of the information is necessary to protect the health, safety or welfare of the public or the patients or children enrolled in the maternity center or child care facility.

(d) Any records under subsection (a), (b) or (c) shall be available to any member of the standing committee on appropriations of the house of representatives or the standing committee on ways and means of the senate carrying out such member's or committee's official functions in accordance with K.S.A. 75-4319, and amendments thereto, in a closed or executive meeting. Except in limited conditions established by 2/3 of the members of such committee, records received by the committee shall not be further disclosed. Unauthorized disclosure may subject such member to discipline or censure from the house of representatives or senate. Such records shall not identify individuals but shall include data and contract information concerning specific facilities.

(e) In any hearings conducted under the licensing or regulation provisions of K.S.A. 65-501 et seq., and amendments thereto, the presiding officer may close the hearing to the public to prevent public disclosure of matters relating to persons restricted by other laws.

History: L. 1985, ch. 201, § 1; L. 1996, ch. 229, § 157; L. 2000, ch. 127, § 2; L. 2001, ch. 190, § 1; L. 2004, ch. 145, § 19; L. 2010, ch. 161, § 13; July 1, 2011.