(Formerly Sec. 17a-434). Disclosure of protected health information and other information. Authority of commissioner

A covered entity, as defined in 45 CFR 160.103, shall disclose to the commissioner all relevant protected health information and other information about an elderly person that is necessary for the commissioner to investigate an allegation of abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment, provided the covered entity shall provide notice to such elderly person in accordance with subsection (c) of 45 CFR 164.512. If the commissioner has reasonable cause to believe that the elderly person is being abused, neglected, exploited or abandoned, the commissioner may issue a subpoena to obtain protected health information or other information necessary to investigate the allegations of abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment. The commissioner may request the Attorney General to petition the Superior Court for such order as may be appropriate to enforce the provisions of this section. The commissioner's authority shall include, but shall not be limited to, the right to initiate or otherwise take those actions necessary to assure the health, safety and welfare of any elderly person.