CPSC Proposes Freedom Of Information Policy Guidelines

In a Federal Register notice to be published August 21, the Commission states that disclosure of Commission records and studies relating to all Acts under its jurisdiction will be the rule, not the exception.

Information exempted from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act may, when not prohibited by law, nevertheless be available if the Commission determines that disclosure is in the public interest.

In accordance with the Consumer Product Safety Act, injury and accident investigation reports will continue to be available, although the names of victims and treating physicians cannot be identified in any manner without their permission.

The notice also proposes that Commission staff attempt to respond within 10 days to all requests for documents not routinely available and that search or reproduction costs only in excess of $25 be charged.

The notice states that the Commission will maintain a public reference room where records and copying facilities will be provided. The reference room will be located at the Commission headquarters, Office of the Secretary, 10th Floor, 1750 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20207.

Other subjects in the proposed policy include categories of information normally exempt from disclosure and procedures for appealing denials of information requests.