(a)        A certified diversion investigator associated with a qualified law enforcement agency, as those terms are defined in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-113.74(i), shall request and receive from a pharmacy copies of prescriptions and records related to prescriptions in connection with a bona fide active investigation related to the enforcement of laws governing licit or illicit drugs by providing in writing or electronically all of the following:

(1)        The certified diversion investigator’s name and certification number.

(2)        The name of the qualified law enforcement agency for whom the investigator works.

(3)        The case number associated with the request.

(4)        A description of the nature and purpose of the request.

(5)        The first name, last name, and date of birth of each individual whose prescription and records related to the prescription the investigator seeks, including, when appropriate, any alternative name, spelling, or date of birth associated with each such individual.

(b)        When a certified diversion investigator transmits such a request to a pharmacy, the certified diversion investigator shall also transmit a copy of the request to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Diversion and Environmental Crimes Unit. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation shall conduct periodic audits of a random sample of these requests.

(c)        A pharmacy shall provide copies of requested prescriptions and records related to prescriptions as soon as practicable and no later than two business days after receipt of the request from the certified diversion investigator.

(d)       No certified diversion investigator having knowledge by virtue of his office of any such prescription or record related to prescriptions shall divulge such knowledge other than to other law enforcement officials or agencies involved in the bona fide active investigation, except in connection with a prosecution or proceeding in court or before a licensing board or officer to which prosecution or proceeding the person to whom such prescriptions, orders, or records relate is a party, or as provided in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-113.74 (i)(4), or as otherwise allowed by law.

(e)        A pharmacy or pharmacist that in good faith complies with this section and provides copies of prescriptions and records related to prescriptions to a certified diversion investigator shall have no liability for improper use of information divulged to the certified diversion investigator. ?(2018-44, s. 8.)