Information received by the department through filed reports, inspection, or as otherwise authorized under this chapter, shall not be disclosed publicly in such a manner as to identify individual patients of agencies, except in a proceeding involving the question of licensure. Public disclosure of information obtained by the department for the purposes of this chapter shall be governed by rules and regulations adopted by the board. Nothing in this chapter, however, shall be construed, nor shall any rule or regulation be promulgated under this section, as to impair, restrict or alter the confidentiality and privilege afforded the physician and patient communications, including without limitation, documentation thereof in records of agencies, or communications to and with nurses or other assisting persons or entities, nor shall this chapter be construed to amend by implication such physician-patient communication privilege as provided elsewhere in this code, including without limitation, section 9-203(4), Idaho Code, which shall remain inviolate.