G.S. 108A-80 requires DSS to keep social services and public assistance information confidential. The rules adopted by the Social Services Commission implementing this requirement are found in Title 10A, Chapter 69.
This regulation (.0101) includes definitions applicable to the chapter. Key definitions include:
(1) Client: any applicant for, or recipient of, public assistance or services, or someone who makes inquiries, is interviewed, or is or has been otherwise served to some extent by the agency. For purposes of this Chapter, includes someone acting on behalf of the client under a legal order, or federal or state law.
(3) Client information or client record: any information, received in connection with the performance of any function of the agency, including information stored in computer systems.
(6) Court order: any order from a judge or a written document from a judicial employee that directs the release of client information.