It is not a violation of G.S. 131E-117(5) for medical records to be disclosed to a private peer review committee if:
(1) The peer review committee has been approved by the Department;
(2) The purposes of the peer review committee are to:
a. Survey facilities to verify a high level of quality care through evaluation and peer assistance;
b. Resolve written complaints in a responsible and professional manner; and
c. Develop a basic core of knowledge and standards useful in establishing a means of measuring quality of care; and
(3) The peer review committee keeps such records confidential. (1979, c. 707; 1983, c. 775, s. 1; 1997-456, s. 27.)