Vital records data is used by government agencies, tribes, researchers, private entities, media organizations, and individuals for assessment, public health surveillance, and epidemiological study. The rules in this chapter provide the requirements for requesting vital records data from the department.

(1) The rules establish the following:

(a) Application submission requirements;

(b) Process for agency to approve or deny requests;

(c) Direct and indirect identifiers for birth and fetal death records; and

(d) Fees for data files, analysis, and data requests.

(2) The rules in this chapter do not address the process to request certificates or informational copies of vital records, which has been promulgated in chapter 246-491 WAC.