Public Health Act 2005

Section 238(1) does not apply to the disclosure of confidential information by a relevant person if—

the chief executive believes, on reasonable grounds, the disclosure is in the public interest; and

the chief executive has, in writing, authorised the disclosure.

The department’s annual report for a financial year under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 must include details of—

the nature of any confidential information disclosed under subsection (1) during the financial year; and

the purpose for which the confidential information was disclosed.

However, the details mentioned in subsection (2)(a) must not identify, directly or indirectly, the person to whom the confidential information relates.

Despite the Public Sector Act 2022, section 282, the chief executive may not delegate the chief executive’s power under subsection (1).