The Director or the Adoption Program Manager of the Department may authorize a confidential intermediary to obtain information described in subsection (b) or (c) of this section to locate an individual sought by an applicant. Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a confidential intermediary may apply to the Secretary of Health for a copy of the following: the original certificate of birth and any records that relate to the new certificate of birth of an adopted individual; the new certificate of birth that was substituted for the original certificate of birth of an adopted individual under § 4–211 of the Health – General Article; and the report of the decree or judgment of adoption filed by the clerk of the court under § 4–211 of the Health – General Article. To apply for a copy of a record listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection, a confidential intermediary shall submit to the Secretary of Health a written statement signed by the Director or the Adoption Program Manager of the Department and witnessed by a notary public that authorizes the confidential intermediary to obtain information necessary to locate an individual sought by an applicant. If a confidential intermediary complies with paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Secretary of Health shall give a copy of a record requested under this subsection that is on file with the Secretary to the confidential intermediary. Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a confidential intermediary may access any information that is contained in a public record, as defined in § 4–101 of the General Provisions Article, including a court record. To have access to information contained in a public record, a confidential intermediary shall submit to the custodian of a public record a written statement signed by the Director or the Adoption Program Manager of the Department and witnessed by a notary public that authorizes the confidential intermediary to obtain information necessary to locate an individual sought by an applicant. If a confidential intermediary complies with paragraph (2) of this subsection, a custodian shall permit inspection of a public record requested under this subsection by the confidential intermediary.