Rhode Island General Laws Title 42. State Affairs and Government § 42-9.1-5. Powers of the attorney general

(a) The health care advocate shall be entitled to receive confidential health care information available to the department of health and to law enforcement to the extent authorized by, and in accordance with the provisions of chapter 37.3 of title 5, the confidentiality of health care communications and information act. Any such information shall not be disclosed by the health care advocate except pursuant to judicial process and shall not be used against a patient in any civil or criminal proceeding or in any other matter.

(b) Any confidential health care information received pursuant to this chapter shall not include the name, address or social security number of the patient or other such information that specifically identifies a patient. Upon the completion of any investigation, administrative or legal action, all records obtained by the health care advocate pursuant to this section shall be destroyed. All costs incurred in providing the health care advocate with any information pursuant to this section shall be borne by the provider.