(1) In order to assure compliance with the protections under this chapter and the rules of the board, and to assure public confidence in the confidentiality of reported information, the department shall:

(a) Report annually to the board any incidents of unauthorized disclosure by the department, local health departments, or their employees of information protected under RCW 70.02.220. The report shall include recommendations for preventing future unauthorized disclosures and improving the system of confidentiality for reported information; and

(b) Assist health care providers, facilities that conduct tests, local health departments, and other persons involved in disease reporting to understand, implement, and comply with this chapter and the rules of the board related to disease reporting.

(2) This section is exempt from RCW 70.24.084, 70.05.070, and 70.05.120.

Effective date—2013 c 200: See note following RCW 70.02.010.

Findings—Purpose—1999 c 391: See note following RCW 70.05.180.