SECTION 612:1-17-3. News media contacts

(a)   Philosophy. The Department of Rehabilitation maintains an "open door" policy toward the news media. DRS and its staff are stewards of the public resources entrusted to them, and are accountable to the taxpayers of Oklahoma for the use of these resources. Access of the news media to information about DRS policies, programs and administrative activities is a key part of such accountability. When in contact with the media, staff must keep in mind the media will treat any information provided by staff as the official position of the Department.

(b)   Limitations on access to client information. DRS must protect the privacy of recipients of DRS services where that is appropriate. At no time shall information about a particular recipient be released, unless express, written permission is given by the client. The right to privacy of clients is a higher priority than the need for releasing information to the news media. Prior to the release of information to the news media, the Department secures the client's permission by the completion of Permission for Release of Information by the client.

(c)   Response to media inquiries. Media requests for information generally fall into two categories.

(1)   The first category includes those questions about Department programs and services staff routinely answer for consumers, referral sources, and the public. When the media ask such questions, refer them to the local staff person best qualified to answer.

(2)   The second category includes those inquiries related to official agency positions on budget, legislative, legal, or other sensitive matters, including consumer or public complaints. These inquiries, when coming from the media, are to be immediately referred to the Communications Director. Because many of the media inquiries received at the State Office fall into this category, all media inquiries received at the State Office will be referred to the Communications Director. This will allow time to prepare and/or coordinate an accurate and appropriate response.

[Source: Added at 10 Ok Reg 4607, eff 9-1-93 (emergency); Added at 11 Ok Reg 2425, eff 7-1-94; Amended at 16 Ok Reg 2579, eff 7-1-99; Amended at 30 Ok Reg 860, eff 7-1-13]