Steven L. Smith v. Department of Mental Health (SPR 20221797)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records August 12, 2022 SPR22/1797 Olubunmi A. Olotu, Esq. Assistant General Counsel Department of Mental Health 25 Staniford Street Boston, MA 02114 Dear Attorney Olotu: I have received the petition of Steven L. Smith appealing the nonresponse of the Department of Mental Health (Department) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On July 8, 2022, Mr. Smith requested various records concerning an evaluation period at an identified Department facility. Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, Mr. Smith petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR22/1797, was opened as a result. Despite being notified of the opening of this appeal, it remains unclear whether the Department has provided a response. Accordingly, the Department is ordered to provide Mr. Smith with a response to his request, provided in a manner consistent with this order, the Public Records Law and its Regulations within ten (10) business days. A copy of any such response must be provided to this office. It is preferable to send an electronic copy of this response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. Mr. Smith may appeal the substantive nature of the Department’s response within ninety (90) days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Steven L. Smith One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, Massachusetts 02108 • (617) 727-2832• Fax: (617) 727-5914 sec.state.ma.us/pre • pre@sec.state.ma.us