Appeal Rights of Requesters
You have the right to appeal a partial or full denial of information in response to your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. You may also appeal a non-response. To do so, you must put your appeal in writing and send it to the reviewing official identified in the denial letter. You must send your appeal within 30 days from the date you receive that letter or from the date you receive the records released as a partial grant of your request, whichever is later.
The Letter of Appeal:
The appeal letter should state reasons why you believe that the FOIA exemption(s) we cited do not apply to the records that you requested, or give reasons why they should be released regardless of whether the exemption(s) apply. Because we have some discretionary authority in deciding whether to release or withhold records, you may strengthen your request by explaining your reasons for wanting the records. However, you are not required to give any explanation.
There are two ways in which to submit a FOIA appeal.
Should you choose to send your appeal through the U.S. Postal Service, please mail it to:
Director, News Division
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs
Department of Health and Human Services
7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 920
Bethesda, MD 20857
Should you choose to send your appeal through a private courier service, please send it to:
Director, News Division
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs
Department of Health and Human Services
7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 920
Bethesda, MD 20814
