Except as expressly provided for in this subsection, information obtained regarding employers and claimants pursuant to this chapter for the purposes of its administration is not subject to the provisions of Chapter 29B of this code unless the provisions are hereafter specifically made applicable, in whole or in part. The information that is reasonably necessary may be released in formal orders or opinions of any tribunal or court which is presented with an issue arising under this chapter as well as in the presentations of the parties before the tribunal or court. Similarly, claimants or other interested parties to an issue arising under this chapter may, upon request, obtain information from the Insurance Commissioners records to the extent necessary for the proper presentation or defense of a claim or other matter. Information may be released pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 29B of this code only if all identifying information has first been eliminated from the records. Nothing in this subsection shall prevent the release of information to another agency of the state or of the federal government for the legitimate purposes of those agencies: Provided, That the agency shall guarantee the confidentiality of the information provided to the fullest extent possible in keeping with its own statutory and regulatory mandates. Nothing in this section shall prevent the Insurance Commissioner from complying with any subpoena duces tecum: Provided, however, That the issuing tribunal or court shall take such actions as proper to maintain the confidentiality of the information.
The Insurance Commissioner may release, pursuant to a proper request under the provisions of Chapter 29B of this code, the following information:
(1) Whether or not a specific employer has obtained coverage under the provisions of this chapter;
(2) Whether or not a specific employer is in good standing or is delinquent or in default according to the Insurance Commissioners records and the time periods thereof; and
(3) If a specific employer is delinquent or in default, what the payments due the Insurance Commissioner are and what the components of that payment are, including the time periods affected.
Structure West Virginia Code
Chapter 23. Workers' Compensation
Article 1. General Administrative Provisions
§23-1-1. Regulation of the Workers Compensation System by the Insurance Commissioner; Findings
§23-1-1b. Powers and Duties of Insurance Commissioner
§23-1-1c. Payment Withholding; Interception; Penalty
§23-1-1d. Rules of Former Division of Workers Compensation
§23-1-1g. Legislative Intent to Create a Quasi-Public Entity
§23-1-2. Oversight of the Workers Compensation Commission
§23-1-3. Payment of Salaries and Expenses Generally; Manner; Limitation
§23-1-4. Records; Confidentiality; Exceptions
§23-1-4a. Bond for Executive Director and Associate Director
§23-1-5. Office of Insurance Commissioner; Hearings
§23-1-6. Employment of Associate Director and Other Assistants; Compensation and Travel Expenses
§23-1-8. Authority of Insurance Commissioner and Employees as to Oaths and Evidence
§23-1-9. Compelling Compliance With Order or Subpoena
§23-1-10. Fee of Officer Serving Subpoena; Fees and Mileage of Witnesses
§23-1-11. Depositions; Investigations
§23-1-12. Copies of Proceedings as Evidence
§23-1-15. Procedure Before Insurance Commissioner
§23-1-17. Annual Report by the Insurance Commissioner and Occupational Pneumoconiosis Board
§23-1-18. Insurance Commissioner Employees Not Subject to Subpoena for Workers Compensation Hearings
§23-1-20. Employment Preference for Employees in Workers Compensation Litigation Unit
§23-1-21. Authorization to Require the Electronic Invoices and Transfers