Section 20-2-215 Confidentiality of database. - Alabama Statutes

Section 20-2-215

Confidentiality of database.

(a) The controlled substances database and all information contained therein and any records maintained by the department or by any entity contracting with the department which is submitted to, maintained, or stored as a part of the controlled substances prescription database is hereby declared privileged and confidential, is not a public record, is not subject to subpoena or discovery in civil proceedings and may only be used for investigatory or evidentiary purposes related to violations of state or federal law and regulatory activities of licensing or regulatory boards of practitioners authorized to prescribe or dispense controlled substances.

(b) Nothing in this section shall apply to records created or maintained in the regular course of business of a pharmacy, medical, dental, optometric, or veterinary practitioner, or other entity covered by this article and all information, documents, or records otherwise available from original sources are not to be construed as immune from discovery or use in any civil proceedings merely because such information contained in those records was reported to the controlled substances prescription database in accordance with the provisions of this article.

(Act 2004-443, p. 781, §6.)