Since 1967, the Freedom of Information Act has provided the public the right to request access to records from any federal agency. It's often described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government. Federal agencies are required to disclose any information requested under the FOIA unless it falls under one of nine exemptions which protect interests such as personal privacy, national security, and law enforcement.
Defense Health Agency Freedom Requestor Service Center
The DHA Requestor Service Center has principal authority to ensure DHA and its components are in full compliance with the FOIA. Under FOIA, federal agencies and components are required to make records available to the public unless one of nine exemptions authorizes their withholding. Only Federal Executive Branch agencies and components must comply with FOIA. FOIA doesn't extend to records held by Congress, the courts, or by state or local government agencies, as each state has its own public access laws that should be consulted for access to state and local records.
The best method to submit a FOIA request to DHA is online via the DHA FOIA Public Access Link (PAL). You may also submit a request to:
DHA Freedom Requestor Service Center
7700 Arlington Blvd, Ste. 5101
Falls Church, VA 22042-5101
Phone: 703-681-3310
Email: DHA.FOIA@health.mil
Not sure if you need to file a FOIA request?
If you're not sure if filing a FOIA request is your best option, visit www.FOIA.govFOIA webpage.
DHA FOIA Public Liaison
If you're are concerned about service received from the DHA FOIA service center, please contact the FOIA public liaison at:
Defense Health Agency
Attn: DHA FOIA Public Liaison
7700 Arlington Blvd., Ste. 5101
Falls Church, VA 22042-5101
Phone: 703-681-3310
Email: DHA.FOIAPublicLiaison@health.mil
DOD FOIA Policy Office
Policy OfficeOpens in Defense.gov website
DHA FOIA Subcomponents
- Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch
- Armed Forces Medical Examiner System
- Defense Centers of Excellence
- Fort Belvoir Community Hospital
- National Museum of Health & Medicine
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
FOIA Library
The 1996 amendments to FOIA mandate publicly accessible "FOIA Libraries" with agency FOIA response materials and other information routinely available to the public. Under subsection (a)(2) of FOIA, federal agencies must make the following distinct categories of records affirmatively available:
- 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(2)(A) Records—Final opinions and orders made in the adjudication of cases that may be cited, used, or relied upon as precedents in future adjudications. >>View Final Decisions
- 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(2)(B) Records—Statements of policy and interpretations that have been adopted by the agency and are not published in the Federal Register. >>View Policies
- 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(2)(C) Records—Administrative staff manuals and instructions, or portions thereof, that establish DOD policy or interpretations of policy that affect the public. >>View TRICARE Manualsopens in a new window
- 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(2)(D) and (a)(2)(E) Records >>View DHA FOIA Library