In conducting an investigation of a reportable communicable disease the department of health services and local health departments may inspect and copy medical or laboratory records in the possession of or maintained by a health care provider or health care facility which are related to the diagnosis, treatment and control of the specific communicable disease case reported. Requests for records shall be made in writing by the appropriate officer of the department of health services or local health department and shall specify the communicable disease case and the patient under investigation.