ORS 413.175: Prohibition on disclosure of information; exceptions.

(1) For the protection of applicants for and recipients of public assistance and medical assistance, as defined in ORS 414.025, except as otherwise provided in this section, the Oregon Health Authority may not disclose or use the contents of any public assistance or medical assistance records, files, papers or communications for purposes other than those directly connected with the administration of the public assistance and medical assistance programs or necessary to assist public assistance or medical 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 authority. In any judicial or administrative proceeding, except proceedings directly connected with the administration of public assistance, medical assistance or child support services, 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 Title IV-D of the Social Security Act. (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 authority and the Department of Human Services for the purpose of administering public assistance and medical assistance programs that the authority and the department are responsible for administering. [2011 c.720 §49; 2013 c.688 §67; 2025 c.99 §66]