(a) The commissioner of health shall develop and maintain a database on health services personnel. The commissioner shall use this information to assist local communities and units of state government to develop plans for the recruitment and retention of health personnel. Information collected in the database must include, but is not limited to, data on levels of educational preparation, specialty, and place of employment. The commissioner may collect information through the registration and licensure systems of the state health licensing boards.

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(b) Health professionals who report their practice or place of employment address to the commissioner of health under section 144.052 may request in writing that their practice or place of employment address be classified as private data on individuals, as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12. The commissioner shall grant the classification upon receipt of a signed statement by the health professional that the classification is required for the safety of the health professional, if the statement also provides a valid, existing address where the health professional consents to receive service of process. The commissioner shall use the mailing address in place of the practice or place of employment address in all documents available to the general public. The practice or place of employment address and any information provided in the classification request, other than the mailing address, are private data on individuals and may be provided to other state agencies. The practice or place of employment address may be used to develop summary reports that show in aggregate the distribution of health care providers in Minnesota.