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 review 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.Should you wish to appeal, send your appeal to the address listed below and indicate on your envelope and letter "FOIA Appeal".
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 920
Bethesda, MD 20857
