(a) (1) In this section, “confidential research record” means a record, report, statement, note, or other information that:

(i) is assembled or obtained for research or study by the Department or the Secretary; and

(ii) names or otherwise identifies a person.

(2) “Confidential research record” includes a record that was transferred to the custody of the Department by a predecessor agency.

(b) Each confidential research record shall remain in the custody and control of the Department.

(c) A confidential research record may be used only for the research and study for which it was assembled or obtained.

(d) A person may not disclose a confidential research record to any person who is not engaged in the research or study for which it was assembled or obtained.

(e) This section does not apply to or restrict the use or publication of any statistics, information, or other material that summarizes or refers to confidential records in the aggregate, without disclosing the identity of any person who is the subject of a confidential record.