FAQs

The business of the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) is open to public review, as is required by the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

What is SCDHHS?

SCDHHS is the state agency tasked with administering the South Carolina Medicaid Program.

Can I request public records for BabyNet through SCDHHS?

Yes, while BabyNet is regulated and funded through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, BabyNet is managed through South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. For more information on BabyNet, please see: https://msp.scdhhs.gov/babynet/

Can I submit a FOIA to SCDHHS by another method (mail or fax)?

YES! please visit the following webpage for additional information: https://www.scdhhs.gov/legal/foia-requests

Is there a Fee associated with obtaining information pursuant to the FOIA?

There may be a fee associated with a FOIA request. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30, The fee for the search, retrieval, or redaction of records shall not exceed the prorated hourly salary of the lowest paid employee who, in the reasonable discretion of the custodian of the records, has the necessary skill and training to perform the request. Accordingly, SCDHHS charges only for its costs to fulfill each request. However, Documents may be furnished when appropriate without charge or at a reduced charge where the SCDHHS determines that waiver or reduction of the fee is in the public interest because furnishing the information can be considered as primarily benefiting the general public. Additionally, FOIA requests that take minimal employee time and photocopying expense are fulfilled without charge.

What is the SCDHHS Fee Schedule for FOIA requests?

Search/Retrieval/Redaction Fees $20.00 hr

Copies $0.20 Per Page

CD $5.00 Per Disc

When will I receive the responsive documents to my FOIA request?

SCDHHS will issue a determination within 10 business days as to whether the requested information is available. If the requested information is public and available, the responsive information must be furnished or made available no later than 30 calendar days from the date on which the determination was provided, unless the records are more than twenty-four months old, in which case SCDHHS has no later than thirty-five calendar days from the date on which the determination was provided.

Will I receive a quote or notice of the estimated cost prior to SCDHHS compiling the FOIA request?

If SCDHHS determines that your request will take 5 hours or more to fulfill (estimated cost of $100), you will be notified of the total estimated cost and asked to pay a deposit of 25% prior to SCDHHS beginning work on compiling your responsive documents.

What if the estimated cost exceeds what I am willing to pay?

If the estimated cost exceeds what the requestor is willing to pay, the requestor should communicate with SCDHHS to narrow the scope of the request before paying the deposit.

If I pay the deposit, when will the balance be due?

Payment is required in full when the public records are released to the requestor.

Can I request medical records through the FOIA portal?

No, FOIA is a public records act.

An individual’s personal medical records are not subject to disclosure under FOIA as they are not a public record. Release of an individual’s personal medical records are reviewed under HIPAA, Medicaid confidentiality regulations and other federal and state laws. A request for an individual's medical records or BabyNet records should be submitted via secure email to inforequests@scdhhs.gov