Spokane, WA – The Washington State Supreme Court refused to review Superior Court Judge Harold Clarke’s decision that Morning Star Boys' Ranch release over a thousand personal files of our past residents. These files, also known as resident’s files, may contain confidential medical records, psychological records, psychiatric evaluations as well as a social history summary. These records may also contain privileged information protected by HIPAA. A 2006 protective order will ensure that the information contained in the residential files is not release to the public. Morning Star Boys' Ranch has a duty to protect the privacy and confidentiality of our residents and their files maintained at the Ranch – both current and former. “We appealed Judge Clarke’s decision because we felt it necessary to go to great lengths to protect the privacy and confidentiality of all our residents. As of today’s decision the Ranch will begin to turn over the requested files,” said Acting Director Dan Kuhlmann. Morning Star Boys' Ranch takes all allegations against the Ranch very seriously. The allegations against the Ranch are of misconduct dating back to the early 1960’s. Morning Star Boys' Ranch is confident in the judicial process and looks forward to the resolution of these trials soon. Morning Star Boys' Ranch has had an excellent track record for fifty years and we continue to be a resource for the State and families of the Inland Northwest. Morning Star Boys' Ranch offers a safe, therapeutic environment to help behaviorally challenged boys, many of whom were neglected or abused, become contributing citizens of Spokane. In the 50 years the Ranch has been open, nearly 1,300 boys have passed through the doors. # # #