All records, reports, and information obtained by the pharmacy quality assurance commission or its authorized representatives from or on behalf of a pharmaceutical manufacturer, representative of a manufacturer, wholesaler, pharmacy, or practitioner who purchases, dispenses, or distributes legend drugs under this chapter are confidential and exempt from public inspection and copying under chapter 42.56 RCW. Nothing in this section restricts the investigations or the proceedings of the commission so long as the commission and its authorized representatives comply with the provisions of chapter 42.56 RCW.