(a) Investigation reports and reports of the undue influence, abandonment, exploitation, abuse, neglect, or self-neglect of a vulnerable adult filed under this chapter are confidential and are not subject to public inspection and copying under AS 40.25.110 - 40.25.125. However, under this chapter and regulations adopted under this chapter, investigation reports may be used by appropriate agencies or individuals inside and outside the state, in connection with investigations or judicial proceedings involving the undue influence, abandonment, exploitation, abuse, neglect, or self-neglect of a vulnerable adult.

(b) The department shall disclose a report of the undue influence, abandonment, exploitation, abuse, neglect, or self-neglect of a vulnerable adult if the vulnerable adult who is the subject of the report or the vulnerable adult's guardian, conservator, attorney-in-fact, trustee, or surrogate decision maker consents in writing. The department may not disclose a report of the undue influence, abandonment, exploitation, abuse, neglect, or self-neglect of a vulnerable adult to the vulnerable adult's guardian, conservator, attorney-in-fact, trustee, or surrogate decision maker if that person is an alleged perpetrator of the undue influence, abandonment, exploitation, abuse, or neglect of the vulnerable adult and is being investigated under this chapter. The department shall, upon request, disclose the number of verified reports of undue influence, abandonment, exploitation, abuse, neglect, or self-neglect of a vulnerable adult that occurred at an institution that provides care for vulnerable adults or that were the result of actions or inactions of a public home care provider.