The department of health shall conduct all investigations and hearings under section 4769.03 of the Revised Code in a manner that protects patient confidentiality. The department shall not make public the names or other identifying information about a patient unless the patient consents. Consent is not required for the release of the information if the department determines that it possesses reliable and substantial evidence that no bona fide health care practitioner-patient relationship exists.
When the department publicly reprimands a violator pursuant to division (C)(1) of section 4769.03 of the Revised Code, it shall not make public the name or any other identifying information about a patient.