(1) No ombudsman is liable for good faith performance of responsibilities under this chapter.

     (2) No discriminatory, disciplinary, or retaliatory action may be taken against any employee of a self-insured employer for any communication made, or information given or disclosed, to assist the ombudsman in carrying out its duties and responsibilities, unless the same was done maliciously. This subsection is not intended to infringe on the rights of the employer to supervise, discipline, or terminate an employee for other reasons.

     (3) All communications by the ombudsman, if reasonably related to the requirements of his or her responsibilities under this chapter and done in good faith, are privileged and confidential, and this shall serve as a defense to any action in libel or slander.

     (4) Representatives of the office of the ombudsman are exempt from being required to testify as to any privileged or confidential matters except as the court may deem necessary to enforce this chapter.

[2007 c 281 § 7.]