(1) An individual shall have access to all records and information concerning that individual held by the employment security department, unless the information is exempt from disclosure under RCW 42.56.410.

(2) An employing unit shall have access to its own records and to any records and information relating to a benefit claim by an individual if the employing unit is either the individual's last employer or is the individual's base year employer.

(3) An employing unit shall have access to any records and information relating to any decision to allow or deny benefits if:

(a) The decision is based on employment or an offer of employment with the employing unit; or

(b) If the decision is based on material information provided by the employing unit.

(4) An employing unit shall have access to general summaries of benefit claims by individuals whose benefits are chargeable to the employing unit's experience rating or reimbursement account.

(5) The employment security department may disclose records and information deemed confidential under this chapter to a third party acting on behalf of an individual or employing unit that would otherwise be eligible to receive records under subsections (1) through (4) of this section when the employment security department receives a release from the individual, the employing unit, or the third party. The release must be signed and include a statement:

(a) Specifically identifying the information that is to be disclosed;

(b) That state government files will be accessed to obtain the information;

(c) Of the specific purpose or purposes for which the information is sought and that the information obtained under the release will only be used for that purpose or purposes; and

(d) Indicating all the parties who may receive the information disclosed.

Conflict with federal requirements—Severability—1993 c 483: See notes following RCW 50.04.293.