North Dakota § 23-12-20 - COVID-19 vaccination and infection information

Full text of North Dakota North Dakota Century Code § 23-12-20 — COVID-19 vaccination and infection information, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 23-12-20. COVID-19 vaccination and infection information

1. Neither a state government entity nor any of its political subdivisions, agents, or assigns may: a. Require documentation, whether physical or electronic, for the purpose of certifying or otherwise communicating the following before providing access to property, funds, or services: (1) An individual's COVID-19 vaccination status or vaccination status for a vaccine that is under emergency use authorization from the federal food and drug administration; (2) The presence of COVID-19 pathogens, antigens, or antibodies; or (3) An individual's COVID-19 post-transmission recovery status; b. Otherwise publish or share an individual's COVID-19 vaccination record or similar health information, except as specifically authorized by the individual or otherwise authorized by statute; or c. Require a private business to obtain documentation, whether physical or electronic, for purposes of certifying or otherwise communicating the following before employment or providing access to property, funds, or services based on: (1) An individual's COVID-19 vaccination status or vaccination status for a vaccine that is under emergency use authorization from the federal food and drug administration; (2) The presence of COVID-19 pathogens, antigens, or antibodies; or (3) An individual's COVID-19 post-transmission recovery status. 2. Subsection 1 does not apply to the department of corrections and rehabilitation, a correctional facility as defined under section 12-44.1-01, the state hospital, or a public health unit. 3. A private business located in this state or doing business in this state may not require a patron, client, or customer in this state to provide any documentation certifying COVID-19 vaccination or vaccination authorized by the federal food and drug administration under emergency use authorization, the presence of COVID-19 pathogens, antigens, or antibodies, or COVID-19 post-transmission recovery to gain access to, entry upon, or services from the business. This subsection does not apply 4. 5. 6. 7. to a developmental disability residential facility or a health care provider, including a long-term care provider, basic care provider, and assisted living provider. As used in this subsection, a private business does not include a nonprofit entity that does not sell a product or a service. This section may not be construed to interfere with an individual's rights to access that individual's own personal health information or with a person's right to access personal health information of others which the person otherwise has a right to access. Subsection 1 is not applicable to the state board of higher education, the university system, or institutions under the control of the state board of higher education to the extent the entity has adopted policies and procedures governing the type of documentation required, the circumstances under which such documentation may be shared, and exemptions from providing such documentation. This section is not applicable during a public health disaster or emergency declared in accordance with chapter 37-17.1. As used in this section, the term "COVID-19" means severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 identified as SARS-CoV-2 and any mutation or viral fragments of SARS-CoV-2.

Source: official North Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota § 23-12-20

What does North Dakota Century Code § 23-12-20 cover?

Section 23-12-20 ("COVID-19 vaccination and infection information") is part of the North Dakota Century Code, the codified statutory law of North Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite North Dakota § 23-12-20?

A common citation format is "North Dakota Century Code § 23-12-20" (North Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of North Dakota law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Dakota attorney.

How does North Dakota § 23-12-20 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Dakota.