§ 122C-56. Exceptions; research and planning. - North Carolina Statutes

§122C‑56.  Exceptions; research and planning.

(a)        The Secretary mayrequire information that does not identify clients from State and areafacilities for purposes of preparing statistical reports of activities andservices and for planning and study. The Secretary may also receiveconfidential information from State and area facilities when specificallyrequired by other State or federal law.

(b)        The Secretary mayhave access to confidential information from private or public agencies oragents for purposes of research and evaluation in the areas of mental health,developmental disabilities, and substance abuse. No confidential informationshall be further disclosed.

(c)        A facility maydisclose confidential information to persons responsible for conducting generalresearch or clinical, financial, or administrative audits if there is ajustifiable documented need for this information. A person receiving theinformation may not directly or indirectly identify any client in any report ofthe research or audit or otherwise disclose client identity in any way. (1965,c. 800, s. 4; 1973, c. 476, s. 133; 1985, c. 589, s. 2; 1989, c. 625, s. 9.)