Arizona State Board Of Optometry Practice Exam

True or False: Written reports of an investigation are confidential and not considered public records.

1. True

2. False

3. Depends on the type of investigation

4. Only if the investigation is ongoing

The correct answer is: False

The statement regarding the confidentiality of written reports of an investigation is better understood by recognizing the nature of public records and the specific regulations governing optometry practice in Arizona. In general, written reports produced from investigations conducted by regulatory boards or agencies tend to fall under the category of public records. This means they may be accessible to the public unless a specific law or regulation provides for confidentiality due to the circumstances or the nature of the investigation. In many cases, when investigations lead to findings that warrant public scrutiny—especially for professions with direct consumer impact—transparency is emphasized to maintain accountability. Exceptions do exist where certain details may remain confidential, particularly if they involve ongoing legal procedures or sensitive personal information. However, as a broad rule, reports complete and finalized by regulatory bodies are usually made available to the public. Therefore, the assertion that such reports are confidential and not categorized as public records is not accurate.