investigation under subparagraph (A), the individual submitting the complaint shall be deemed to have exhausted all administrative remedies with respect to the complaint for purposes of subsection (c), without regard to the 210-day period specified under paragraph (4) of such subsection, and immediately assume the right to a civil remedy under subsection (c)(4). (4) Access to investigative file of the secretary of labor (A) In general An individual alleging a reprisal under this section shall have access to the investigation file of the Secretary of Labor in accordance with section 552a of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Privacy Act ). The investigation of the Secretary of Labor shall be deemed closed for purposes of disclosure under such section when an individual files an appeal to an agency head or a court of competent jurisdiction. (B) Civil action In the event an individual alleging the reprisal under this section brings a civil action under subsection (c)(4), the individual and the non-Federal employer, if applicable, shall have access to the investigative file of the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the section 552a of title 5, United States Code. (C) Exception The Secretary of Labor may exclude from disclosure— (i) information protected from disclosure by a provision of law