What happens if HHS denies my request?

If HHS locates records in response to your request, it may withhold them (or any portion of them) only if they are exempt from disclosure under the FOIA or are prohibited from release by some other law. For records that contain portions of information that is withheld, HHS will clearly mark those portions with the applicable FOIA exemption(s). If HHS denies your request, in whole or in part, it will provide an estimate of the amount of material withheld, state the reason(s) for the denial, and inform you of your right to appeal to the designated HHS Appeal Official.