House Bill No. by Representative Spell aims to enhance confidentiality policies and procedures related to work products created, received, or maintained by child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary investigative teams. The bill amends existing laws, specifically R.S. 15:440.8 and R.S. 44:4.1(B)(40), to clarify that files and records associated with child advocacy services are confidential and not subject to public records requests. It also introduces new provisions in the Children's Code, including Articles 525(C), 525.1, and 545(C), which establish requirements for written confidentiality policies for both child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary investigative teams. These policies must ensure that information is shared only among authorized participants for the purposes of investigation, assessment, prosecution, and treatment.

Additionally, the bill defines "work product" and stipulates that such materials are confidential and protected from disclosure in various legal proceedings, except as authorized by the new provisions. It allows for the sharing of work product in de-identified or aggregate form under specific circumstances, while also ensuring that the protections apply only to those acting under formal multidisciplinary agreements. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidentiality in child abuse and neglect investigations, thereby reinforcing the legal framework that governs the handling of sensitive information in these cases.

Statutes affected:
HB1052 Original: 44:1(B)(40)