(a) All persons acting on behalf of the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy in the impaired pharmacists program under this section shall be considered:

1. (1) To be acting on behalf of the board; and
2. (2) Officers or employees of the state.

(b)

1. (1) All patient records:

   1. (A) Shall be confidential; and
   2. (B) Shall not be subject to public inspection except pursuant to an order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

2. (2) However, the records:

   1. (A) May be introduced as evidence in any relevant proceedings before the board; and
   2. (B) Shall be produced upon board request.