Information maintained by a pharmacist in the patient's records or that is communicated to the patient as part of patient counseling is confidential and may be released only to
- (1) the patient or as the patient directs;
- (2) a practitioner or pharmacist when, in the pharmacist's professional judgment, release is necessary to protect the patient's health and well-being; and
- (3) other persons or governmental agencies authorized by law to receive confidential information.