Public Records Requests

Members of the public may request to obtain public information or records that the department does not provide as part of normal business services. All requests for public records must be made in writing.  

Request client-specific information about myself or someone else

Requests for client-specific information must be completed on a Records Request Form. A requester must demonstrate authority to receive the information. A notarized signature may be required if the department is unable to verify signature already on file. When making your request, please be very specific as to what information you seek. Include a description with dates, locations, programs/services involved, or names of reports if they apply to your request. If you are making a request regarding a family member or client, you must include a document that provides written proof of your authority to receive that person's information, unless already on file. Learn more about privacy and confidentiality.

Your request may be submitted using one of the following methods:

Mail
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare - Transparency Team
P.O. Box 83720 
450 W. State Street, 10th Floor
Boise, ID 83720-0036

Fax
208-639-5742

Email
prr@dhw.idaho.gov

 

Client-specific Records Request Form
English and Spanish versions available.
Questions about Public Records?
Call 208-334-5564 to speak with someone about a public record request.
Request copies other than client-specific information

Requests for public information or records such as copies of contracts may be completed by filling out the Online Public Records Request Form.

Tips for media submitting public records requests.

Request copies of birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates
Request information about my child support case

Requests for information about your child support case may be made directly to Child Support Services, using the following contact information.

Contacts
Child Support Services
Address

Idaho Child Support Receipting Services
P.O. Box 70008
Boise, ID 83707-0108
United States

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Idaho’s Laws governing the accessibility of public records?

The Idaho Public Records Act is found in Chapter 1, Title 74. It provides that “every person has a right to examine and take a copy of any public records of this state.” At the same time, the Legislature strikes a balance between the public’s right to obtain records and documents with the privacy of certain information in the records and documents.  The exemptions from public disclosure are referenced in the Public Records Act.

How long will it take for my request to be answered?

Idaho residents can anticipate a response within three (3) working days from the time the department receives the request.

If the request cannot be filled within three (3) working days, the department will extend the response timeline to ten (10) working days from date of receipt. 

Nonresidents can anticipate a response within twenty-one (21) calendar days from the time the department receives the request. If the request cannot be filled within twenty-one (21) calendar days, the department will extend the response timeline to thirty-five (35) calendar days from date of receipt.

The requester will be notified if there is a need to extend the response time.

Is there a cost?

Yes.  

Requests from Idaho residents that require more than two hours of labor or more than 100 pages to copy require pre-payment of agency costs before the request is completed.  Costs are based on the type of work involved.  For example, if a request involves copying more than 100 pages, there is a cost of 10 cents per page after the first 100. If requests require more than two hours of labor, there is a cost after the first two hours. 

Requests from nonresidents require pre-payment of agency costs for labor and copying costs associated with preparing responsive records before the request is completed.

Other fees may apply for special reproduction.

Who are DHW’s records custodian(s) under Idaho Code § 74-119?

Interim Records Custodian for the Department – Jared Larsen
Director’s Office – Estela Cabrera and Melissa Berg
Child, Youth, & Family Services – Karla Kinzel
Medicaid – Teresa Martin
Behavioral Health – Rachel Murdock
Self-Reliance – Heidi Tom
Public Health – Niki Forbing-Orr
Management Services – Monica Degard
Licensing & Certification – LaDonna Jeffs
Financial Services – Misty Lawrence

prr@dhw.idaho.gov
(208) 334-5564

Online Public Record Request Form link

Use the online public record request form to easily request copies of public information or records other than client-specific information, such as surveys of assisted living facilities, percentage of residents receiving Medicaid or copies of contracts.

 

Contact Information

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

Transparency Team

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