This bill aims to amend and reenact section 9-6-8 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, to enhance the confidentiality of records related to adults and facility residents while clarifying permissible disclosures to governmental entities. The bill specifies that records concerning reports of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of vulnerable adults can be disclosed to federal, state, or local governmental entities, including law enforcement and prosecuting attorneys, for investigative purposes. Additionally, it establishes a procedure for limited disclosure of these records in administrative hearings, requiring written motions and in-camera hearings to assess the relevance of the records before they can be released.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions that allow for the publication and disclosure of records in administrative hearings under certain conditions, including the redaction of identifying information and restrictions on the use of disclosed records. It also outlines the circumstances under which summaries of investigative reports can be shared with various officials and researchers, while maintaining the confidentiality of the identities of reporters of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Overall, the bill seeks to balance the need for confidentiality with the necessity of transparency and accountability in cases involving vulnerable adults.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-6-8