Information submitted by county departments of social services to the adult protective services registry maintained by the state Division of Social Services is confidential. 
Information from the registry may be disclosed to county social services departments in connection with investigations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of disabled adults. Information also may be disclosed to social services agencies in other states to prevent abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a disabled adult; to law enforcement agencies to protect a disabled adult who needs protective services; for specified research studies; or other specified purposes.