(A) The collection, compilation, analysis, and dissemination of information by the office of the state long-term care ombudsman program shall be performed in a manner that protects complainants, individuals providing information about a complaint, public entities, and confidential records of residents or recipients. The identity of a resident or recipient, a complainant who is not a resident or recipient, or an individual providing information about a complaint shall not be disclosed without the written consent of the resident or recipient, complainant, or individual, or a legal representative of any of the foregoing, or except as required by court order.

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The investigative files of the office and any records contained in those files, including any proprietary records of a long-term care provider or records relating to advocacy visits, are not public records subject to inspection or copying under section 149.43 of the Revised Code and are exempt from the provisions of Chapter 1347 of the Revised Code. Information contained in investigative and other files maintained by the state long-term care ombudsman and regional long-term care ombudsman programs shall be disclosed only at the discretion of the state ombudsman or if disclosure is required by court order.

(B) No report prepared by the state ombudsman or a regional program shall include any information that violates the confidentiality requirements of this section. Proprietary records of a specific long-term care provider are subject to the confidentiality requirements of this section.