66-7-507: Approval of accident-investigation programs; privacy of victims.

A. The bureau is authorized to conduct a study into the practices and procedures of accident-investigation units functioning in this state to determine whether such practices and procedures are aiding the citizens of this state in the discovery of the causes of motor vehicle accidents. If, at the conclusion of a study made of a particular unit, the bureau determines that the practices and procedures of such unit are of a beneficial nature, it shall designate the unit as an "approved accident-investigation unit" and shall send notice of this designation to such public agencies as it may determine.

B. Any unit designated as an approved accident-investigation unit shall receive, upon its request, assistance and data from any department, division, board, bureau, commission or other agency of the state, or of any political subdivision of the state, or any public or private hospital, which will enable the unit to carry out its investigation relating to accidents and accident causes. The privacy of accident victims shall be protected in any disclosure to the unit, by using the method of case numbers rather than identification by name.