All documentary and other evidence received or maintained by the Department or its agents in connection with specific complaints or investigations under any program of the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman conducted by or under the Commissioner shall be confidential and not subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.), except that such information may be released on a confidential basis in compliance with regulations adopted by the Department and consistent with provisions of subdivision 4 of § 2.2-601 and with the requirements of the Older Americans Act (42 U.S.C. § 3001 et seq.).The Commissioner shall release information concerning completed investigations of complaints made under the programs of the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman but shall in no event release the identity of any complainant or resident of a long-term care facility unless (i) the complainant or resident or his legal representative consents in writing to disclosure or (ii) disclosure is required by court order. The Commissioner shall establish procedures to notify long-term care facilities of the nature of complaints and their findings.

History

1980, c. 478, § 2.1-373.2; 1982, c. 345; 1988, c. 41; 1989, c. 160; 2001, c. 844, § 2.2-706; 2012, cc. 803, 835.