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 e-mail, mail, or in person to the address below:

PHS Freedom of Information Act Office
7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 920
Bethesda, MD 20857
Phone:  (301) 492-4800
E-mail:  foiarequest@psc.hhs.gov

When submitting your request, please provide your complete mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address so that we may contact you if it becomes necessary to clarify your request.

For the quickest possible handling, please mark both your letter and envelope “Freedom of Information Act request.”  In your request, identify the record(s) that you are requesting as specifically as possible.  A vague or incomplete description could delay our response.  The more details you provide, the better.

You may also request expedited processing of your request.  This request should be made at the time you file your FOIA request.  Expedited processing will be considered if the requester (1) demonstrates an imminent threat to life or physical safety; or (2) is a member of the media and demonstrates an urgency to inform the public concerning actual or alleged government activity.

The FOIA provides for agencies to recover part of the cost associated with responding to a request.  Please note, you may be charged for search time even if we do not locate any documents responsive to your request or if the documents we locate are denied to you under one of the FOIA's exemptions.  There will not be a charge if the cost of responding to your request is less than $25.

The FOIA permits agencies to waive fees if disclosure of the record(s) is in the public interest because it (1) is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the government and (2) is not primarily in the commercial interest of the requestor.  If you believe that your request meets both of the above tests, you can request a waiver or reduction of fees when you make your FOIA request.  Be sure to fully document and justify your waiver request.

Upon receipt of your request, 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.

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 HHS implementing Public Information Regulations, 45 CFR Part 5.