37-B §506. Certain documents confidential - Maine Statutes

Title 37-B: DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HEADING: PL 1997, C. 455, §9 (RPR)

Chapter 7: BUREAU OF MAINE VETERANS' SERVICES HEADING: PL 1991, C. 626, §7 (RPR); 1997, C. 455, §16 (RPR)

§506. Certain documents confidential

All claims and documents pertaining to claims for benefits under this chapter, whether pending or adjudicated, are confidential and privileged. No disclosure of those claims or documents may be made without the written consent of the claimant, except that disclosure may be made: [1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW).]

1. Claimant or representative. To the claimant personally, as to matters concerning the claimant alone, when, in the director's judgment, the disclosure would not be injurious to the claimant's physical or mental health, or to the claimant's duly appointed guardian or duly authorized representative holding a power or appointment approved by the supervisor;

[ 1997, c. 455, §28 (AMD) .]

2. Veterans' organization. To the representative of a veterans' organization holding power of appointment from the claimant, provided that the organization is recognized by the United States Government and duly certified as such by the state department of the organization;

[ 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW) .]

3. Courts. To any court of competent jurisdiction, when required by the process of the court, in an action pending under the laws of this State or the United States; and

[ 1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW) .]

4. Agencies engaged in health and welfare work. To any public or private agency engaged in health, welfare, rehabilitation or child placement work, from whom a veteran or that veteran's dependents have requested services, when, in the veteran advocate's judgment, disclosure is essential to the proper evaluation of the request.

[ 2001, c. 662, §68 (AMD) .]

SECTION HISTORY

1983, c. 460, §3 (NEW). 1991, c. 626, §19 (AMD). 1993, c. 694, §9 (AMD). 1997, c. 455, §28 (AMD). 2001, c. 662, §68 (AMD).