HOW TO REQUEST INFORMATION

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Health and Human Services Freedom of Information Regulations (45 CFR Part 5), the Indian Health Service (IHS) policy is to answer all requests as accurately and completely as possible from existing records. In order to accomplish this most efficiently, we require all requests to be submitted in writing, by postal service, facsimile, or messenger; requests must contain the requestor's postal address and the name of the person responsible for paying any fees that may be charged. A phone number where we can reach the requester to get clarification of the request or resolve other issues concerning the request, is strongly recommended. Providing the request in writing assures that all the rights provided by the FOIA and these regulations are protected (for example, the right to administratively appeal any denials we may make and the right to have our decisions reviewed in Federal court).

Your letter should include all the details possible in order to help us identify and locate the records you want. In addition to having the potential to be very costly in terms of fees, "all the records you have on..." types of requests tend to require a great deal of search time, even if few or no records are found on the subject you are interested in. If you are not sure how to write your request or what details to include, contact an Area FOIA Coordinator.

Please include the phrase "FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT" on the front of the envelope and your letter to ensure prompt receipt of your request by the appropriate FOIA Coordinator. The IHS FOIA Officer is the only official authorized to release or withhold information from Agency documents and records. This authority is specified in the Federal Register, Volume 53, No. 227, dated November 28, 1988, Subpart C, Section 5.31.

The IHS FOIA program is operated under the Department of Health & Human Services.