(1) Information obtained during the investigation into allegations of abandonment, abuse, neglect, misappropriation of property, or financial exploitation of a resident, and any documents generated by the department will be maintained and disseminated with regard for the privacy of the resident and any reporting individuals and in accordance with laws and regulations regarding confidentiality and privacy.

(2) Confidential information about resident and mandated reporters provided to the individual by the department must be kept confidential and may only be used by the individual to challenge findings through the appeals process.

(3) Confidential information such as the name and other personal identifying information of the reporter, witnesses, or the resident will be redacted from the documents unless release of that information is consistent with chapter 74.34 RCW and other applicable state and federal laws.