Maryland Institute for
Emergency Medical Services Systems

Public Information "Public Data Records" Requests
The term 'public information' means any information, regardless of form or format, that an agency discloses, disseminates, or makes available to the public. Any citizen can submit a PIA request. Citizens may be agents of corporations, associations, public interest groups, private individuals, and universities, and can submit PIA requests.

The Public Information Act:
Maryland's Public Information Act (PIA), grants the public a broad right of access to public records while protecting legitimate governmental interests and the privacy rights of individual citizens. The PIA covers public agencies and officials in Maryland and includes all branches of state government (legislative, judicial, and executive).
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Access to information:
Certain records are privileged by law or exempt from disclosure and must be withheld. Examples include, but are not limited to, records containing patient addresses, medical records, or financial information. Other records may include investigatory records and MIEMSS external and integral memoranda and letters.  In requests where records have been lost or destroyed, the requester will be notified.

MEIMSS Data Requests:
MIEMSS collects and maintains Maryland Emergency Medical Services (EMS) data in EMS systems. The data is used to improve patient care, operations, and clinician safety in meeting the MIEMSS mission of reducing death and disability resulting from traumatic injury.  Though the information is public, MIEMSS must follow HIPPA privacy and security guidelines to protect clinicians and patient’s rights. To obtain data related to the EMS System, please use the MIEMSS Data Request Form.

Most non-statistical data analytical information related to MIEMSS can responeded to in a reasonable amount of time via phone, email, or found on the MIEMSS website, MIEMSS Annual Reports, MIEMSS Vision 2030, or our other publications such as the ED Report, EMS Newsletter, Social Media, and Open Meeting minutes. If you are not finding what you are looking for or need assistance, please email MIEMSS Public Information Officer, Mr. Todd Abramovitz, tabramovitz@miemss.org or call: 410-706-3994.

Charges:
MIEMSS is able to charge a “reasonable fee” for copies of public records and/or for searching for a public record. A charge that may include the time required for locating and reviewing the record. The first two hours of search time are free, but an extensive search may prove time-consuming and expensive. It is in both your and the agency’s interest to ensure that a PIA request clearly and accurately describes the records being requested. In some cases, discussing your request with agency staff is the best way to gain access to the records you seek promptly and resulting in little or no cost.