Use of data.

(a) The department shall utilize the data and information received for the benefit of the public.

(b) Individual patient data submitted to the department by health care facilities pursuant to this article shall at all times remain confidential and privileged from discovery. This article does not expand or repeal any protection from discovery, privilege, or confidentiality for patient specific information that exists by statute, regulation, or decision by a court of final jurisdiction.

(Act 2009-490, p. 900, §12.)