Requesting Public Records
Northeast Tri County Health District provides access to public records for review or copying in compliance with the Washington State Public Records Act, Chapter 42.56 RCW.
The Public Records Act requires government agencies to make identifiable public records available for inspection and/or copying unless the record is exempt from disclosure. A public record is any writing containing information relating to the conduct of government or the performance of any governmental or proprietary function prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics.
Northeast Tri County Health District has established policy, and associated procedures, to ensure compliance with the Public Records Act.
Specific questions about our public records policies and procedures can be directed to the District’s Public Records Officer, Matt Schanz, at 509-684-1301.
How to Make a Public Records Request
Many of our records are available at our website. Requestors are encouraged to search this website content prior to submitting a records request.
Requests may be mailed, emailed, or delivered in person to any of the District’s offices and be addressed to the District’s Administrator. We encourage that all requests be made in writing using the following form:
Email requests for public records are only accepted through adminmail@netchd.org.
If the District’s Public Records Request Form is not used, requests should include the following information:
- An indication that the request is being made for access to a public record pursuant to the Public Records Act;
- The requestor’s name, address, and convenient means of contact, such as email address, phone number, etc.;
- The date of the request;
- A description of the public records requested that includes sufficient details to allow the District to identify responsive records;
- Whether the requestor wants to inspect records or wants copies;
- Signature of the requestor.
How We Respond To Public Records Requests
Our goal is to respond promptly to your request. Within five (5) business days, we will acknowledge receipt of the request and take one or more of the following actions:
- When possible, provide notice that responsive records are available.
- Seek clarification or refinement of the request if needed to identify the records requested. In seeking such additional information, the District will provide, to the greatest extent possible, a reasonable estimate of time that the District will require to respond to the request if it is not clarified.
- Indicate that the District does not have any responsive records or that any responsive records are exempt from disclosure;
- Provide a reasonable estimate of when the request can be fulfilled.
If you do not receive a response within five (5) business days, please contact the Administrative Office of the District at 509-684-1301.
Public Records Fee Schedule
The requestor will be charged fees, established by the most current District fee schedule, when requesting copies of records.