What Privacy Act considerations should an Agency adhere to regarding case documents?
Under the routine use provision of regulations governing release of information under the Privacy Act, employing agencies are entitled to obtain copies of materials in their employees’ injury compensation files for uses consistent with the reason the information was collected. The agency’s use must generally be connected in some way with the injury compensation claim. Such use may, for example, include examining medical reports prior to making an offer of reemployment. OWCP case files contain material that is sensitive, such as medical reports discussing emotional conditions or substance abuse, and virtually all files contain a substantial amount of information which would likely be considered personal by the subject of the file. Both OWCP and agencies have responsibilities under the Privacy Act with respect to evaluating requests for information and releasing material. Agency personnel who work with OWCP cases must be familiar with the restrictions of the Privacy Act and the penalties
Related Questions
- What is the difference between asking for documents under the Privacy Acts and the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act?
- What are an individuals basic rights and the agency employees responsibilities under the Privacy Act?
- What Privacy Act considerations should an Agency adhere to regarding case documents?
