Confidentiality of reported violations includes protecting the reporter's identity unless required by law or division action. True or false?

• A. The identity of the reporter is protected unless required by law or division action.
• B. The reporter's identity is always disclosed to the client.
• C. All reports are public records.
• D. Reports are never disclosed.

Answer: (A)

Protecting the reporter’s identity is the core aim of confidentiality in reporting violations. This ensures people can report concerns without fear of retaliation, knowing their name will be kept private. The statement is true because the reporter’s identity is protected unless there is a legal obligation or a division action that requires disclosure. In practice, only what is needed for the investigation or required by law is shared, not the reporter’s name with clients or the public. The other options would violate confidentiality: sharing the reporter’s identity with the client, treating all reports as public records, or keeping reports completely undisclosed in all situations.