Under Massachusetts law, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) may disclose facility records of a former institutional resident who has been deceased more than 50 years to a “Close Relative.” To qualify as a Close Relative, the requestor must be the deceased resident’s spouse, child, grandchild, great grandchild, sibling, niece/nephew or grandniece/grandnephew (direct descendant of a sibling), aunt, uncle, or first cousin (direct descendant of an aunt or uncle).
To obtain facility records for a deceased resident, please complete and sign this attestation form. DDS will review your completed record request form to determine if sufficient information has been provided or if additional verification is required. If your record request is approved, DDS will perform a reasonably diligent search for responsive records to fulfill your request. DDS may or may not find responsive records. Any personal information about other residents or relatives may be redacted to protect the privacy of those person(s).