Nothing contained in this Division shall be construed to impair or limit the confidentiality of communications otherwise protected by law as privileged or confidential, including, but not limited to, information communicated in confidence to a social worker or social work intern who works under the direct supervision of a social worker. No social worker shall be subjected to adverse employment action, the threat of adverse employment action, or any manner of discrimination because the employee is acting or has acted to protect communications as privileged or confidential pursuant to applicable provisions of State or federal law, rule, or regulation.