Do not accept a subpoena or other compulsory process requiring disclosure of information if the document is directed to HHS, its Secretary, SSA, its Commissioner, or any Central Office (CO) official.

If an officer of the law attempts to serve such a document, inform the officer that you lack authority to accept the document. If the officer persists, consult the Office of General Law (OGL), Office 1, Disclosure Law Branch through the ARC MOS or the Program Service Center (PSC) Director (in the field) or OGL, Office 1, Disclosure Law Branch (in CO).

In the field, immediately contact OGL, Office 1, Disclosure Law Branch through the ARC MOS regarding what to do with the subpoena or court order. In CO, contact OGL, Office 1, Disclosure Law Branch.

However, there are situations in FOs where your region may allow you to handle subpoenas and court orders directly (e.g., there is consent in file or an established regional policy). Consult with your ARC MOS for advice.

Do not try to transfer a subpoena or court order to another office; it remains binding on its stated recipient until disposed of. If you receive such a document and the records in question are in another location, obtain the records from the other office, even if the other office is normally the servicing office.

Do not accept subpoenas or court orders unless specifically addressed to a TSC employee, because TSCs do not maintain written records. Refer the person delivering the subpoena or court order to the component which has the record (to the Office of Central Records Operations (OCRO) in cases involving earnings information or to the PSC or the Office of Disability and International Operations (ODIO) in cases involving claims folder material).

For advice on acceptance of a subpoena or court order concerning Medicare information, call the CMS RO.

If you receive a subpoena in the FO for information in a case that is under OHO jurisdiction, consult with OHO regarding disclosure. See GN 03103.190 through GN 03103.200.

If the case is at the ALJ level, consult the ALJ"s office for advice. For other OHO cases, call the OHO RO.

For any matter under DDS jurisdiction, contact the Center for Disability and Program Support for advice.

For advice regarding personnel information, call the ARC, Management and Budget, or the RO Human Resources Branch.