The supervising department shall have access to all the state institutions under its management and control and to all books, accounts, vouchers, supplies, and equipment of each of the institutions so that the supervising department may familiarize itself with the conditions, needs, and requirements of the institutions. All books, documents, and records relating to the concerns and business of such institutions except personal records of patients at all times must be open to the examination of any citizen of this state. Personal records of patients must be made available upon court order or in accordance with rules and regulations established by the supervising department.
N.D.C.C. § 25-01.1-06