Information On-Line
Much information is now available on World Wide Web (Web)
sites via the Internet. The HHS Home Page is located at
http://www.hhs.gov from where you can access and search
electronically available HHS information; you may also go
directly to HHS Agencies' (also referred to as Operating
Divisions (OPDIVs)) home pages. Other HHS program services,
clearinghouses, and information centers' telephone numbers
and Web site locations are listed in the HHS Information
and Hotline Directory located at www.hhs.gov/about/referlst.html.
How to Request Information
In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
and the HHS Freedom of Information Regulations (45 CFR Part
5), the HHS 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). A copy of the current
HHS Freedom Of Information Regulations and available HHS
FOIA annual reports can be obtained from the HHS Freedom
Of Information Office (see addresses below), or on the HHS
FOIA website.
If you are unable to locate the information you seek online
or to obtain it from one of the resources listed elsewhere
in this guide, please address your request to the Freedom
Of Information Officer of the HHS OPDIV that is most likely
to have the records you want. If you cannot make this determination,
send the request to: HHS Freedom of Information Officer,
Room 645-F, Hubert H. Humphrey Building, Department of Health
and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington,
DC 20201. Write the words "Freedom of Information Act
Request" on the envelope and on the letter.
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 a Freedom
of Information Officer.
OOnly Freedom of Information Officers have the authority
to release or deny records, or to waive or reduce fees.
If the records you seek include records addressed to, sent
from, or created by an official or office of the Office
of the Secretary, including its staff offices, or of any
Regional Director's Office; or any unit of the HHS not specifically
identified below; or if the records you seek involve the
Office of the Secretary and any of the organizational units
listed below; or if you seek records which cross HHS organizational
lines, other than those involving more than one of the Public
Health Service (PHS) components, only the HHS Freedom of
Information Officer may determine whether to release or
deny those records, or to waive or reduce fees associated
with responding to your request.
If the records you seek are exclusively records of the
Office of Public Health and Science, Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Health, the Program Support Center, or involve
more than one of the Department's Public Health Service
components, including records in the regional offices, only
the PHS Freedom of Information Officer may determine whether
to release or deny those records or waive or reduce fees
associated with responding to your FOIA request.
HHS and OPDIV Freedom of Information Officers
(* indicates Public Health Service Agency)
HHS Freedom of Information Officer
Room 645-F, Hubert H. Humphrey Building,
Independence Avenue, S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20201
Phone: 202-690-7453
Reviewed:
5/1/06
