House Bill 253 mandates that the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) disclose specific health information during a declared public health emergency by the governor. The bill requires the department to provide, at a minimum, bi-weekly updates on the total number of individuals hospitalized and those who have died due to health conditions identified as part of the emergency. This information must be shared on the department's website and through other necessary communication channels, while adhering to confidentiality requirements.

The bill outlines the specific data that must be disclosed, including age cohorts, gender, hospitalization periods, dates of death, and any underlying conditions contributing to health outcomes. However, if disclosing certain information would compromise individual privacy, the DPHHS is permitted to modify how the information is reported or refrain from disclosing it altogether. This legislation aims to enhance transparency and public awareness during health crises while balancing the need for privacy.