In accordance with Chapter 559, Government Code, DARS adheres
to the following privacy policies.
(1) Right to be informed about information collected.
A person has the right to be informed about information that DARS
collects about the person unless DARS is allowed to withhold the information
from the person under Government Code, §552.023(b).
(2) Right to notice about certain information laws
and practices.
(A) When DARS collects information about a person by
means of a form that the person completes and files with DARS, DARS
informs the person of his or her rights related to the information
collected. If the form is in a paper format, DARS posts a prominent
notice of the person's rights on the form. Or if the form is in an
electronic format on an Internet site, DARS prominently posts the
notice on the Internet site in connection with the electronic form.
The notice states that:
(i) with few exceptions, the person is entitled on
request to be informed about the information that DARS collects about
the person;
(ii) under the Government Code, §552.021 and §552.023,
the person may receive and review the information; and
(iii) under the Government Code, §559.004, the
person may have DARS correct information about the person that is
incorrect.
(B) When DARS uses an Internet site to collect information
about a person or about the computer network location or identity
of a user of the site, DARS prominently posts on the site what information
DARS is collecting, including such information being collected by
means that are not obvious.
(3) Right to correction of incorrect information. DARS
has established a procedure under which a person may have DARS correct
information that DARS possesses about the person and that is incorrect.
The person should send a written request to DARS, including his or
her full name and mailing address; identify the incorrect information;
and provide the correct information. If the information to be corrected
is related to a social security disability determination, to a vocational
rehabilitation case, or to a DARS personnel or employment record,
the person's social security number should be included. The person
should attach to the request any additional material needed to identify
the incorrect information or verify the correct information. The person
may choose to include with the request a daytime telephone number
in case DARS needs to call to clarify the request. The person must
sign and mail the request to Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative
Services, ATTN: Records Management Office, 4900 North Lamar Boulevard,
Austin, Texas 78751-2316. DARS will acknowledge receipt of the request,
and will notify the person of final action taken.
(4) Applicability of Public Information Law. Government
Code, Chapter 552, governs the charges that DARS may impose on a person
who requests information that DARS collects about himself or herself.
However, DARS does not charge a person to correct information about
the person.
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