Oregon Health & Science University released the following statement in response to a lawsuit filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court involving an Oregon Public Broadcasting public records request. 

"We recognize the public's interest in this matter and remain committed to transparency and accountability. At the same time, public institutions have a legal obligation to protect individual employee and whistleblower privacy rights and ensure that personnel and investigative records are handled in accordance with the law.

"As a health care and academic institution, we believe it is our obligation to encourage reporting of concerns related to patient safety, the workplace environment, and other concerns that affect our members. This appeal is about protecting our members’ rights to do that without undue exposure or fear of retaliation.

"Our decision to appeal the public records order is not intended to withhold information of legitimate public concern. Rather, it seeks clarification from the courts regarding the proper balance between public access to government records and the privacy protections afforded to individuals engaged in workplace investigations.  OHSU is only seeking declaratory relief from the court order, not monetary damages or other relief from OPB, who we recognize as an important news partner.

"We believe this legal review is important to ensure that future records requests are handled consistently, fairly, and in accordance with applicable law. We will continue to comply with all final court rulings and remain committed to maintaining public trust through transparency wherever legally and ethically appropriate."