Forensic hospital admissions

Ms. Suzanne Travis,

This is a request under the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M. G. L. Chapter 66, Section 10). I am requesting that I be provided a copy of the following records:

Any anonymized documents, databases or communication, print or electronic, regarding the admission of an inmate to either Bridgewater State Hospital or Lemuel Shattuck Hospital Correctional Unit, including the date of admission and the day of release, between Jan. 1, 2015 and Dec. 31, 2017 as to adhere to M.G.L c.4, §7 cl. 26(a) (Criminal Offender Records Act) and M.G.L c.4, §7 cl. 26(c) (personnel files, medical records, or information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

Any anonymized documents, databases or communication, print or electronic, regarding the failure to admit an inmate to either Bridgewater State Hospital or Lemuel Shattuck Hospital Correctional Unit, between Jan. 1, 2015 and Dec. 31, 2017 as to adhere to M.G.L c.4, §7 cl. 26(a) (Criminal Offender Records Act) and M.G.L c.4, §7 cl. 26(c) (personnel files, medical records, or information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

Any communication between jail staff and admission staff at Bridgewater State Hospital and/or Lemuel Shattuck Hospital Correction Unit between Jan. 1, 2015 and Dec. 31, 2017.

I expect the request to be filled in an accessible format. These formats include .csv, .xlsx, .docx, .pdf and .jpg. I understand names may need to be redacted.

I recognize that you may charge reasonable costs for copies, as well as for personnel time needed to comply with this request. I request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as we believe this request is in the public interest, as suggested but not stipulated by the recommendations of the Massachusetts Supervisor of Public Records. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge and processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.

The Public Records Law requires you to provide me with a written response within 10 business days. If you cannot comply with my request, you are statutorily required to provide an explanation in writing.

Sincerely,
Heather Mongilio

To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following request, copied below. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.