For the protection of applicants for and recipients of services, the Department of Human Services shall not disclose or use the contents of any records, files, papers or communications for purposes other than those directly connected with the administration of the laws of Oregon, and these records, files, papers and communications are considered confidential subject to the rules of the Department of Human Services, except as otherwise provided in ORS 411.320. In any judicial proceedings, except proceedings directly connected with the administration of public assistance or medical assistance laws, their contents are considered privileged communications.
ORS 410.150