Disclosure and Linking
The path to finding credible health content and services online is already rocky enough. That's why URAC developed the Health Web Site Accreditation Program to help you quickly and easily identify the best Web sites on the Internet. If you want to know who sponsors a health Web site or what type of clout advertisers carry, you ought to be able to easily find that information. URAC Accredited sites have been reviewed to make sure that they disclose to you any major investors in the site. And URAC makes sure that these disclosures are as clear and easy to find as signs on a billboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Web sites required to disclose under URAC’s Standards?
URAC-accredited Web sites are required to disclose a variety of information that can help consumers evaluate the site. This information includes the site's sponsors and financial backers, the site's privacy policy, and how the site develops information.
What are my personal rights and responsibilities?
Under the URAC standards, consumers have many rights. These include the right to information about how the Web site operates and the protection of their personal information. Consumers should use the health Web sites responsibly by understanding how the Web site works and how it will use information submitted by the user.
How is my privacy protected and is a Web site required to inform me of this?
The URAC standards require Web sites to disclose to users how personal information is used. If the Web site collects personal health information, it must first obtain permission from the user to do so. The Web site must also implement adequate security measures to protect personal health information.
Is a URAC accredited Web site required to tell me how they ensure quality content?
Yes. A URAC-accredited Web site is required to disclose its editorial policy, which includes the qualifications of content authors, and the process for content approval.
Is a URAC accredited Web site required to tell me about their advertising and promotional policies?
Yes. URAC-accredited Web sites must disclose to users their advertising and promotional policies, including any sponsor involvement in the development of health information on the site.
Is a URAC accredited Web site required to tell me about ownership of the site, business partners, and whether or not another company has a substantial ownership in the site?
Yes. URAC-accredited Web sites are required to disclose a variety of information that might help users understand the perspective of the site and any financial partnerships that might influence site content.
Should these disclosures be easy to find, and how do I find them?
Most disclosures should be easily accessible from links on the Web sites home page. (If they're not, let URAC know.)
What does URAC require an accredited site to disclosed related to external links within a Web site?
The Web sites must clearly indicate to users whether links to other sites are provided for information only or constitute endorsements of those other sites, and when users are leaving the Web site to go to a linked site.