36-568.01. Confidentiality of records

A. All information obtained and records prepared in the course of providing any services under this chapter to clients shall be confidential and privileged matter. Such information and records may be disclosed only:

1. When the responsible person designates in writing persons to whom records or information may be disclosed.

2. To the extent necessary to make claims on behalf of a client for aid, insurance or medical assistance to which he may be entitled.

3. Pursuant to court order.

4. In communications between professional persons in the providing of services or appropriate referrals.

5. When such disclosure is necessary to protect against a clear and substantial risk of imminent serious injury.

6. To the superior court when a petition to establish guardianship for the person is filed pursuant to the provisions of title 14, chapter 5.

7. To other state agencies or bodies for official purposes and in such cases information or records shall be released without the designation of the name of the client unless such name is required for the official purposes of state agencies or bodies requesting such information. Such case information received by a state agency or body shall be maintained as confidential unless a consent to release has been given as provided in this section.

8. To a law enforcement agency or a county medical examiner in the performance of official duties unless the records requested relate to a person who is the subject of a criminal investigation, in which case the records may only be released pursuant to a court order or grand jury subpoena. A person shall maintain information provided to a law enforcement agency or a county medical examiner under this paragraph as confidential unless a consent to release has been given pursuant to this section or pursuant to a court order or grand jury subpoena.

B. The person to whom such information has been released pursuant to subsection A shall be prohibited from using or releasing such information except in the proper performance of his or her duties.