(1) To protect the right to privacy of each individual. The right to privacy is a fundamental right which is protected by the California Constitution.

(2) To secure to such individuals the right to gain access to information pertaining to them which is maintained by the Department unless there is a clear and overriding public interest in withholding such information.

(3) To secure to such individuals the right to correct any misinformation that is being maintained about them by the Department.

(1) “Access” means the availability of the case record to the individual, authorized representative, and duly appointed guardian or conservator for inspection and copying.

(2) “Case Record” means any information about an individual that is maintained or otherwise possessed by the Department, including but not limited to information regarding medical history, diagnostic studies, employment history, financial status, and education. Information on computer tape, computer cards, microfilm, or any other memory system, which is strictly derivative in nature and is otherwise maintained in the case record is not included. Both active and closed records or files are included. Information gathered during the course of an investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Department, and separately maintained or supervised by the Legal Office of the Department, when such information is compiled in reasonable anticipation of a civil or criminal action or an administrative adjudication, is not included.

(3) “Disclose” means to disclose, release, transfer, disseminate, or otherwise communicate all or any part of any record orally, in writing, or by electronic, or any other means to any person or entity.