Public Health Investigation Administration - Frequently Asked Questions
11 FAQ(s) have been entered for this Program.
What is a Body Shipment or POE Letter?
Answer: A certified letter from the Department of Public Health. They are seeking reasonable assurance, in writing, that the remains/cremains pose no known communicable disease threat to the residents of their country. Public Health Investigation, Custodian of Records, has been designated as the office to process and provide this document.
Links: Body Shipment/Port of Entry (POE) Letter
Can a POE document be faxed to the requestor?
Answer: No, all POE documents are certified and, therefore, must be picked up in person with an original Death Certificate and a check (made payable to County of Los Angeles) for $10.00 for each document.
Is it necessary to submit a written request to obtain a copy of a public record?
Answer: Yes
Links: Public Records Request Form
I would like to obtain copies of previous food poisoning episodes for a certain restaurant. How do I access this material?
Answer: Begin by contacting our office at (323) 914-7806 to discuss the matter with Custodian of Records.
How can I obtain a copy of an Animal Bite Report?
Answer: Submit a written request to the Custodian of Records office by using the Public Records Request form.
Links: Public Records Request Form
How long will it take to get the records?
Answer: The Public Records Act allows 10 days to respond to your request, with provisions for an additional 14 day extension. Some requests may take longer and will be discussed individually with the requestor.
What types of subpoenas are accepted by Custodian of Records?
Answer: We accept subpoenas addressed to the Department of Public Health as a Subpoena duces tecem, Criminal Subpoena, Personal Appearance for Custodian of Records, and Person Most Knowledgeable.
How do I serve a subpoena for records?
Answer: All subpoenas must be hand delivered and served in person to the Custodian of Records office.
How long will it take to get subpoenaed records?
Answer: The Evidence Code allows 15-20 days for the opposing party to object; thereafter, most records can reasonably be produced within 15-30 days. Some records may take longer and will be discussed individually with the requestor.
I am a Public Health employee and have been served with a personal subpoena related to my employment. What do I do?
Answer: You are required to accept a personal subpoena related to your employment with the Department of Public Health. If you have questions or need records for the appearance, call the Custodian of Records for instructions at (323) 914-7806. See Department of Public Health Policy 341.
How is a personal appearance subpoena served?
Answer: A personal appearance subpoena must be served on the person named on the subpoena along with a check (made payable to the County of Los Angeles) for $275.00 for each subpoena. See Subpoena Fee Schedule.
Links: Subpoena Fee Schedule