RI H7936

Establishes all reportable disease data held by the Rhode Island Department of Health as confidential and exempt from public records requests, subpoenas, or disclosure except as specifically authorized

Designates the Department of Health as the sole authority for determining access to and release of reportable disease data, prohibiting other state agencies or entities from releasing line-level data without written authorization

Permits release of de-identified line-level data only for public health purposes, including sharing with federal agencies like the CDC, healthcare facilities for outbreak control, or researchers with approved data use agreements

Restricts immunization registry information to specific recipients including licensed healthcare providers, school nurses, WIC program staff, and health plans, unless the registrant or guardian objects to disclosure

Takes effect immediately upon passage