Request Dispute Resolution

Download the Ombudsman’s Dispute Resolution Assistance Request Form

If an issue arises from a PIA request, the requester/applicant or records custodian/agency can request dispute resolution assistance from the Ombudsman. For the Ombudsman to open a file and begin dispute resolution, the Ombudsman will need the following information:

Requestor and agency contact information, and

A brief description of the PIA dispute.

Additionally, the Ombudsman requests copies of the following documents in order to open a file:

A copy of the original PIA request to the custodian.

A copy of the custodian’s 10-day response to the PIA request (if any).

A copy of the custodian’s final response to the PIA request (if any).

In the event that any or all of these items are unavailable, please provide a description of this information, being sure to include dates, key details, and contact information.

Upon submission, the Ombudsman will review the information and determine if a file can be opened. If a file is opened, the Ombudsman will have 90 days to help the parties reach a resolution. Extensions are permitted if the Ombudsman and all parties agree to it in writing. At the conclusion of the dispute resolution process, the Ombudsman will issue a written Final Determination to the parties. Depending on the outcome of the process and the nature of the dispute, a party may be eligible to file a complaint with the Public Information Act Compliance Board.

Please note: The mediation process is confidential. Please refer to Confidentiality of Ombudsman Mediations for more information. Additionally, to facilitate open dialogue and the efficient processing of mediation requests, the Ombudsman expects the parties to abide by the Standards of Conduct Applicable to the Ombudsman and Parties at all times throughout the process.

The Ombudsman’s regulations (Title 14, Chapter 37) are available at COMAR Online.

Submit a Request for Dispute Resolution Assistance

While not required, you can download, fill out and submit the Ombudsman's Dispute Resolution Assistance Request Form. If submitting a request without using the form, please note the form is a guide for what information is required to complete the intake process. Failure to provide the necessary and/or requested information may delay the Ombudsman’s ability to open a file.

All requests for dispute resolution can be submitted to the Office of the Public Access Ombudsman:

By Email: [email protected]

 By Mail: Office of the Public Access Ombudsman, c/o Office of the Attorney General, 200 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, Maryland 21202

By Web Form:

Questions?

Please direct all questions to the Office of the Public Access Ombudsman by email at [email protected] or by phone at (410) 576-6560.