HOW TO MAKE A PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST
ORS 192.420 states that “every person has the right to inspect any public record of a public body in this state except as otherwise expressly provided by ORS 192.501 to 192.505.” The request must:
- Be in writing;
- Identify the records as clearly as possible;
- The type of record and subject matter;
- Names of individuals, business, or organization(s) involved; and
- Include case numbers, address, or specific locations.
How to make a request. Submit a written request including your name, mailing address, email address, and phone number via the methods below:
By email to: denise.bowers@bayareahospital.org
By mail to:
Bay Area Hospital
Attention Denise Bowers
1775 Thompson Road
Coos Bay, Oregon 97420
In person:
Denise Bowers
Bay Area Hospital-Administration Office
1775 Thompson Road
Coos Bay, Oregon 97420
Monday through Friday from 8:00 am-1:00 pm and 2-5:00 pm, excluding holidays.
Associated Fees
ORS 192.440 (4) authorizes the District to charge fees as reimbursement for the actual cost of fulfilling the public records request. Such fees shall include the cost of personnel and other expenses as determined by ordinary and customary accounting practices of the District. A deposit of the estimated retrieval fees must be paid in advance of the District undertaking work to fulfill a records request.
What happens after I submit a request?
The District has 5 business days to acknowledge the request. A written estimate of the timeline and applicable costs will be sent within 15 business days. ORS 192.430 allows the public body a reasonable time to respond to a records request. The amount of time that is reasonable will depend upon the volume of the records requested, staff availability to respond to the records request, and the difficulty in determining whether any of the records are exempt from disclosure. If you have questions, please call 541-269-8135.
