Sec. 5. 22 MRSA §3474, sub-§2, as amended by PL 1989, c. 7, Pt. N, §2 and c. 858, §§6 to 8, is further amended to read:

2. Optional disclosure of records. The department may disclose relevant information in the records to the following persons, with protection for the identity of reporters and other persons when appropriate:

A. An agency responsible for investigating a report of adult abuse, neglect or exploitation when the investigation is authorized by statute or by an agreement with the department;

B. An advocacy agency conducting an investigation under chapter 961, United States Public Law 88-164, Title I, Part C or United States Public Law 99-319, except as provided in subsection 3, paragraph D;

C. A physician treating an incapacitated or dependent adult whom he who the physician reasonably suspects may be abused, neglected or exploited;

D. An incapacitated or dependent adult named in a record who is reported to be abused, neglected or exploited, or the caretaker of the incapacitated or dependent adult, with protection for identity of reporters and other persons when appropriate;

E. A person having the legal responsibility or authorization to care for, evaluate, treat or supervise an incapacitated or dependent adult;

F. Any person engaged in bona fide research, provided that no personally identifying information is made available, unless it is essential to the research and the commissioner or the commissioner's designee gives prior approval. If the researcher desires to contact a subject of a record, the subject's consent must be obtained by the department prior to the contact;

G. Persons and organizations pursuant to Title 5, section 9057, subsection 6, and pursuant to chapter 857; and