(a)      The Secretary may authorize an evaluation or study of the operation and effectiveness of any unit in the Department.

      (b)      (1)      The Secretary may make the records of any inmate or unit available to a person who is authorized to conduct an evaluation or study under subsection (a) of this section.

            (2)      A person who obtains a record as provided under this subsection may not transmit by any means the record or any information contained in the record to a person other than the Secretary.

      (c)      Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, the evaluation or study shall be:

            (1)      reported to the Secretary; and

            (2)      released to the public by the Secretary.

      (d)      The evaluation or study may not contain the name of an inmate unless the inmate and the Secretary consent.