(a) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, to ensure the quality and integrity of patient and client care, any program receiving any public funds from, or subject to licensing, certification, or facility approval by, the Department of Human Resources or a regional board shall be required to provide the department or the appropriate regional board or both, upon request, complete access to, including but not limited to authorization to examine and reproduce, any records required to be maintained in accordance with contracts, standards, or rules and regulations of the Department of Human Resources or pursuant to the provisions of this title.

(b) Records obtained pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section shall not be considered public records and shall not be released by the department or any regional board unless otherwise specifically authorized by law.