Ed Underwood v. Department of Developmental Services (SPR 20240823)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records March 29, 2024 SPR24/0823 Gabriella K. Eisner, Esq. Assistant General Counsel Department of Developmental Services 1000 Washington Street Boston, MA 02118 Dear Attorney Eisner: I have received the petition of Ed Underwood appealing the response of the Department of Developmental Services (Department) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66 § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On February 13, 2024, Mr. Underwood requested, “documentation regarding how DDS determines the reimbursement rate to Community Based Day Support (CBDS) programs for specific individuals…” The Department responded on February 28, 2024. Unsatisfied with the response, Mr. Underwood petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR24/0823, was opened as a result. It is my understanding that the Department intends on providing a further response to Mr. Underwood to address his records request. Accordingly, the Department is ordered to provide Mr. Underwood with said response 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 the response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. Mr. Underwood 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: Ed Underwood 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