(a)  All information, interviews, reports, statements, memoranda, and drug or alcohol test results, written or otherwise, received by the covered employer through a drug or alcohol testing program are confidential communications and may not be used or received in evidence, obtained in discovery, or disclosed in any public or private proceedings except in accordance with this section or in determining compensability under this chapter or the Workers' Compensation Law, § 11-9-101 et seq. 

(b)  Covered employers, laboratories, drug testing review officers, employee assistance programs, drug or alcohol rehabilitation programs, and their agents who receive or have access to information concerning drug or alcohol test results shall keep all information confidential. Release of such information under any other circumstance is authorized solely pursuant to a written consent form signed voluntarily by the person tested, unless such release is compelled by a hearing officer or a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to an appeal taken under this section relevant to a legal claim asserted by the employee or is deemed appropriate by a professional or occupational licensing board in a related disciplinary proceeding. The consent form must contain, at a minimum: 

(1)  The name of the person who is authorized to obtain the information; 

(2)  The purpose of the disclosure; 

(3)  The precise information to be disclosed; 

(4)  The duration of the consent; and 

(5)  The signature of the person authorizing release of the information. 

(c)  Information on drug or alcohol test results for tests administered pursuant to this chapter shall not be released or used in any criminal proceeding against the employee or job applicant. Information released contrary to this section is inadmissible as evidence in any such criminal proceeding. 

(d)  This section does not prohibit a covered employer, agent of such employer, or laboratory conducting a drug or alcohol test from having access to employee drug or alcohol test information or using such information when consulting with legal counsel in connection with actions brought under or related to this section, or when the information is relevant to its defense in a civil or administrative matter. Neither is this section intended to prohibit disclosure among management as is reasonably necessary for making disciplinary decisions relating to violations of drug or alcohol standards of conduct adopted by an employer. 

(e)  A person who discloses confidential medical records of an employee except as provided in this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. 

History. Acts 1999, No. 1552, § 9.