S.B. 1145 Summary

• Authorizes the Department of Health to disclose vital statistics records for public health purposes as determined by the director of health and for law enforcement purposes by government law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction in Hawaii.

• Expands the exclusive list of persons and agencies permitted to access confidential vital statistics records from 12 to 14 categories by adding public health and law enforcement purposes.

• Clarifies that "research purposes" for accessing vital statistics records are limited to those approved by the department's institutional review committee.

• Repeals Section 338-18.5 regarding the sharing of vital statistics records with department employees for approved research purposes, consolidating this authority under the amended Section 338-18.

• Takes effect upon approval.