DD Rule15 Rule 15. Access to disciplinary information. Prior to the filing of a formal complaint in a discipline matter, the proceeding is confidential, except that the pendency, subject matter, and status of an investigation may be disclosed by OPC counsel if the proceeding is based upon allegations that have been disseminated through the mass media, or include either the conviction of a crime or reciprocal public discipline. Proceedings for transfer to or from disability status are confidential.
All orders transferring a respondent to or from disability status are public.
In order to protect the interest of a complainant, witness, third party, or respondent, the district court may, upon application of any person and for good cause shown, issue a protective order prohibiting the disclosure of specific information and direct that the proceedings be conducted so as to implement the order, including requiring that the hearing be conducted in such a way as to preserve the confidentiality of the information that is the subject of the application. The notice shall advise the respondent that the information shall be released at the end of 21 days following mailing of the notice unless the respondent objects to the disclosure. If the respondent timely objects to the disclosure, the information shall remain confidential unless the requesting party obtains a court order authorizing its release. All participants in a proceeding under these rules shall conduct themselves so as to maintain the confidentiality mandated by this rule.