Art. 525.1. Confidential information of child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary investigative teams

            A. For the purposes of this Article, "confidential information" means any files, reports, communications, records, materials, or information of any kind created, received, or maintained by a child advocacy center or a multidisciplinary investigative team in connection with a child abuse or neglect case, including but not limited to forensic interviews, evidence, medical exams, advocacy notes, counseling notes, mental health records, case review notes, communications, and recommendations.

            B. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, confidential information is not subject to any public records requests, subpoena, discovery, or disclosure except as provided in this Article.

            C. Confidential information may be shared only as follows:

            (1) Among multidisciplinary investigative team members for the purposes of investigation, assessment, prosecution, and treatment.

            (2) With a court of competent jurisdiction, subject to a protective order issued pursuant to R.S. 15:440.1 et seq.

            (3) As otherwise provided by law.

            D. The provisions of this Article do not apply to criminal proceedings or those proceedings governed by Titles VI, VII, and VIII of this Code, which are subject to R.S. 15:440.5.

            E. Confidential information other than forensic interviews is privileged and protected from disclosure in child custody, civil, and administrative proceedings. However, pursuant to R.S. 15:440.7, forensic interviews may be disclosed only for in camera inspection in connection with such proceedings. After in camera inspection, the court may order in writing that the videotape be disclosed to the attorneys of record for each party, subject to a protective order as provided for in R.S. 15:440.7(A)(2).

            F. The protections of this Article apply only to agencies and individuals acting under formal multidisciplinary agreements.

            G. Nothing in this Article limits the disclosure of independently obtained evidence, the authority of law enforcement, or the constitutional rights of a defendant.

            Acts 2026, No. 870, §3, eff. June 8, 2026.