(a) Registry.--The department shall establish a system for the Statewide collection and dissemination of data on cases of cancer by anatomical site, medical and occupational history of patients, stage of disease and other data necessary to effectuate the provisions of this article as determined by the department.

(b) Required reporting.--Persons in charge of hospitals and laboratories shall be required by the department, in accordance with regulations adopted with the advice of the board to report cases of cancer on forms furnished by the department.

(c) Confidentiality of information.--The reports required under this article shall be confidential and not open to public inspection or dissemination. This subsection shall not restrict the collection and analysis of data by the department or those with which the department contracts, nor shall it restrict the department from permitting the use of the reports and data contained in the reports for research purposes, subject to strict supervision by the department to ensure that the use of the reports is limited to specific research purposes.