Content created by Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Division
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a federal statute that allows individuals to request access to federal agency records, except to the extent records are claimed as exempt from disclosure under one or more of the nine (9) exemptions of the Freedom of Information Act. If you have any questions or concerns regarding FOIA, please feel free to send an email to HHS.ACFO@hhs.gov.
HHS FOIA is exercising maximum telework flexibility per OMB guidance. Effective Monday, May 11, 2020, requests submitted by mail or fax may not be processed until staff physically returns to the office. Please use the recommended PAL link https://requests.publiclink.hhs.gov/App/Index.aspx instead to submit your requests. Please note that email is not considered to be sufficiently secure to safely transmit sensitive information, such as identity verification information.
If you use PAL to request records about you, you can securely enter and upload your identity verification information and documents in PAL (see complete content requirements for first-party access requests here: How to Make a Privacy Act Request). Please submit FOIA appeals via email to: HHS.ACFO@hhs.gov.
Submit & Check Status of FOIA Requests
Submit or check the status of a request through our Public Access Link. You also may contact the FOIA Office directly at (202) 690-7453.
FOIA Contacts & Requester Service Centers and Privacy Act Contacts
Contact the HHS FOIA Requester Service Centers (FSRCs) that respond to FOIA requests for HHS records.
HHS FOIA Reports
Get statistics on requests and updates on the HHS FOIA office in our annual, quarterly, and Chief Officer Reports.
FOIA Library / Electronic Reading Room
Read agency manuals, agency policy statements, and opinions developed in the adjudication of cases.
Includes, e.g., Guidance to HHS FOIA Offices About Mailing SSNs.
FOIA Exemptions & Exclusions
Review the 9 disclosure exemptions and 3 special protection provisions / exclusion categories of records not subject to FOIA requirements.
FOIA & Privacy Act Statutes & Resources
Learn about the rules and regulations that govern the FOIA and Privacy Act.
FOIA FAQs
Get answers to commonly asked FOIA questions.
FOIA Appeals
Learn how to appeal a denied FOIA request.
FOIA Fees
Review fees that may be associated with your FOIA request
COVID-19 Contracts
Find information on available contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
HIPAA - Health Information Privacy
Find guidance and more information about the HIPAA Privacy Rule, including what information is protected and how health information is used and disclosed.