30:6D-78 Records of report deemed confidential; exceptions.

6. a. All records of a report made pursuant to section 3 of P.L.2010, c.5 (C.30:6D-75), all information obtained by the department in investigating such reports, and all reports of findings forwarded to the central registry pursuant to P.L.2010, c.5 (C.30:6D-73 et seq.) shall be kept confidential and may be disclosed only:

(1) insofar as information is shared with a guardian in connection with a guardian's attendance at an investigative interview pursuant to subsection b. of section 4 of P.L.2010, c.5 (C.30:6D-76); or

(2) under circumstances expressly authorized by paragraph (2) of subsection e. of section 4 of P.L.2010, c.5 (C.30:6D-76), or by rules and regulations promulgated by the commissioner.

b. The department shall only disclose information that is relevant to the purpose for which the information is required; except that the department shall not disclose information which would likely endanger the life, safety, or physical or emotional well-being of an individual with a developmental disability or the life or safety of any other person, or which may compromise the integrity of a department investigation, civil or criminal investigation, or judicial proceeding. If the department denies access to specific information on this basis, the requesting entity may seek disclosure through the Superior Court. Nothing in P.L.2010, c.5 (C.30:6D-73 et seq.) shall be construed to permit the disclosure of any information deemed confidential by federal or State law.

L.2010, c.5, s.6; amended 2017, c.238, s.12.