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Should Iowa hospital keep names of volunteers secret?

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April 18th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Public Information Board is scheduled to decide whether to take action against a county hospital for not releasing the names of its volunteers. Denison resident Richard Knowles has been seeking the volunteer driver records from Crawford County Memorial Hospital so he can learn whether any of the people have criminal histories.

The Des Moines Register reports the hospital and its foundation say the information shouldn’t be considered a public record because the volunteer workers are not paid. Iowa’s open record law mandates the release of the name and compensation of government employees.

The information board deputy director has recommended the board find “probable cause” in the case. If the board agrees in its vote Thursday, the next step could be a hearing before an administrative law judge.