Data Release Committee.

(a)

To access confidential data under Section 97394, 97396, or 97398, it is required that the Data Release Committee recommend approval of the data applicant's project.

(b)

Once the data applicant completely submits an application under Section 97394, 97396, or 97398, the Department shall send the Data Release Committee a copy of the application for the Committee to make its recommendation.

(c)

The Data Release Committee shall consider the applicant's project during one or more of its public meetings and may require the attendance of the applicant at a meeting to present or respond to questions and issues. After the meeting, the Data Release Committee shall issue a written recommendation regarding the applicant's project.