Administrative Operations
Guide for Submitting a FOIA Request
for PSC Records
Any individual may submit a FOIA request for PSC records. The request
must be in writing and can be submitted by mail, fax, or in person.
You need no special form. Simply state in writing the records you are
requesting, and mark both your envelope and letter "Freedom of
Information Act Request". Doing so will assist in ensuring that
your request is forwarded to the FOIA office. Address your request as
follows:
PHS Freedom of Information Act Office
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 17A-46
Rockville, Maryland 20857
(301) 443-5252 (telephone)
(301) 443-0925 (fax)
In your request, identify the record(s) that you are requesting. Describe
the record as specifically as possible. A vague or incomplete description
could delay our response. The more details you provide, the better.
Please ensure that you also provide a full mailing address and a telephone
number so that we may contact you if it becomes necessary to clarify
your request. Upon receipt, the FOIA staff will log-in your request,
assign a case number, and send you a letter acknowledging receipt.
We try to process your request within 20 working days from the date
it is received in the FOIA Office. However, it may take longer depending
on the records at issue in your request and the number of pending requests
ahead of yours. FOIA requests are processed on a "first-in, first-out"
basis. You may call the FOIA staff to discuss the processing and status
of your request if you have any questions. You may also request expedited
processing, and should make that request at the time you file your FOIA
request. Expedited processing will be granted if the requester (1) demonstrates
an imminent threat to life or physical safety; and (2) is a member of
the media and demonstrates an urgency to inform the public concerning
actual or alleged government activity. We will also consider expedited
processing if you demonstrate that the requested records are needed
to meet a deadline in litigation or a deadline imposed by a governmental
agency for commenting on a proposed regulation.
If a record is determined to be exempt from release under the FOIA,
in whole or in part, we will provide written notification of this decision.
Our letter will describe the material being withheld, the reasons for
the denial and a reference to the specific FOIA exemption that authorizes
the withholding. The denial letter will also explain your right to appeal
the decision and identify the official to whom you should send the appeal.
In processing your request, we follow the guidelines established in
the DHHS implementing Public Information Regulations, 45
CFR Part 5.
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Last revised:
July 10, 2003
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