(1) Information reported to or otherwise obtained by the department of licensing and regulatory affairs in connection with an inspection, investigation, or proceeding under this act that contains or that might reveal a trade secret, including information required to be made available under sections 14a through 14l and section 24(5) and (6) shall be considered confidential. In a proceeding under this act, the director shall promulgate rules for the purpose of protecting trade secrets regarding information required to be made available under sections 14a through 14l and section 24(5) and (6), and the department, the board, or the court shall issue orders as may be appropriate to protect the confidentiality of trade secrets and to carry out the objectives of this act.

    (2) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection and subsection (1), information reported to or otherwise obtained by a department from an employee in connection with an inspection, investigation, or proceeding under this act shall be made available to the public pursuant to the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246. The identity of an employee or any information that may lead to the identification of an employee who provides information pertaining to a possible violation or violations of this act is exempt from disclosure.