ORS 411.320: Disclosure and use of records limited to purposes connected to administration of public assistance programs; contents as privileged communication; exceptions.

(1) For the protection of applicants for and recipients of public assistance, except as otherwise provided in this section, the Department of Human Services may not disclose or use the contents of any public assistance records, files, papers or communications for purposes other than those directly connected with the administration of the public assistance programs or necessary to assist public assistance applicants and recipients in accessing and receiving other governmental or private nonprofit services, and these records, files, papers and communications are considered confidential subject to the rules of the department. In any judicial or administrative proceeding, except proceedings directly connected with the administration of public assistance or child support enforcement laws, their contents are considered privileged communications. (2) Nothing in this section prohibits the disclosure or use of contents of records, files, papers or communications for purposes directly connected with the establishment and enforcement of support obligations pursuant to the Title IV-D program. (3) Nothing in this section prohibits the disclosure of the address, Social Security number and photograph of any applicant or recipient to a law enforcement officer at the request of the officer. To receive information pursuant to this section, the officer must furnish the agency the name of the applicant or recipient and advise that the applicant or recipient: (a) Is fleeing to avoid prosecution, custody or confinement after conviction for a felony; (b) Is violating a condition of probation or parole; or (c) Has information that is necessary for the officer to conduct the official duties of the officer and the location or apprehension of the applicant or recipient is within such official duties. (4) Nothing in this section prohibits disclosure of information between the department and the Oregon Health Authority for the purpose of administering public assistance programs. (5) Nothing in this section prohibits disclosure of information for the purposes of making a report of suspected abuse as required under ORS 124.060, 419B.010, 430.765 or 441.640. [1953 c.500 §5; 1971 c.779 §17; 1995 c.609 §8; 1997 c.581 §7; 2001 c.900 §88a; 2011 c.720 §100; 2023 c.271 §3]