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An official website of the United States government

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

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Web Policy Notice

Thank you for visiting our HHS web site and for reviewing our Disclaimers and Web Policy pages. Our policy is clear:

We collect no information about you, other than information automatically collected and stored (see below), when you visit our web site unless you choose to provide that information to us.

(NOTE: For information on the Medical Privacy Rule, please go to www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/.)

Information Automatically Collected and Stored:

When you browse through any web site, certain personal information about you can be collected. We automatically collect and temporarily store the following information about your visit:

  • the name of the domain you use to access the Internet (for example, aol.com, if you are using an American Online account, or stanford.edu, if you are connecting from Stanford University's domain);
  • the date and time of your visit;
  • the pages you visited; and
  • the address of the web site you came from when you came to visit.

We use this information for statistical purposes and to help us make our site more useful to visitors. Unless it is specifically stated otherwise, no additional information will be collected about you.

Personally Provided Information:

You do not have to give us personal information to visit our web sites.

If you choose to provide us with additional information about yourself through an e-mail message, form, survey, etc., we will only maintain the information as long as needed to respond to your question or to fulfill the stated purpose of the communication.

However, all communications addressed to the agents of HHS are maintained, as required by law, for historical purposes. These communications are archived on a monthly basis, but are also protected by the Privacy Act which restricts our use of them, yet permits certain disclosures.

Disclosure:

HHS does not disclose, give, sell or transfer any personal information about our visitors, unless required for law enforcement or statute.

Intrusion Detection:

This site is maintained by the U.S. Government. It is protected by various provisions of Title 18, U.S. Code. Violations of Title 18 are subject to criminal prosecution in federal court.

For site security purposes and to ensure that this service remains available to all users, we employ software programs to monitor traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information, or otherwise cause damage. In the event of authorized law enforcement investigations, and pursuant to any required legal process, information from these sources may be used to help identify an individual.

Systems of Records:

Information originally collected in traditional paper systems can be submitted electronically, i.e., electronic commerce transactions and information updates about eligibility benefits. Electronically submitted information is maintained and destroyed pursuant to the Federal Records Act, and in some cases may be subject to the Privacy Act. If information that you submit is to be used in a Privacy Act system of records, there will be a Privacy Act Notice provided.

Social Media:

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) uses third party Websites to share information and encourage collaboration with the public. Third-Party Web sites are not government-owned or government-operated. They are controlled and operated by a Third-Party not associated with HHS. The HHS privacy policy does not apply to third party websites or applications. Any information an individual makes available to HHS through a third party Website, which could include PII data, is voluntary. When an individual makes information available to HHS they are also making it available to the third party not affiliated with HHS. The department encourages the public to contribute to discussions and provide opinions to HHS via third party Websites. However, in doing so, the visitors to should take steps to protect their privacy. Vistors should not disclose any private information about themselves or others (ie. Social Security number or health information) on a third party web site. HHS.gov provides information on how to send official correspondence to HHS. HHS uses information that users make available on Third-Party websites to improve our programs and serve the public (for example to improve our education and outreach materials and activities). HHS does not share information provided through Third-Party Websites. To learn more about HHS Privacy Practices, please visit our Privacy Policy at www.hhs.gov/privacy. HHS does not endorse the comments or opinions provided by visitors through Third-Party Websites.

ASPR Blog and Social Media Comments:

Comment Policy

This is a moderated blog-we will review all comments before posting them. We expect that participants will treat each other with respect. We will not post comments that contain vulgar language, personal attacks of any kind, or offensive terms that target specific individuals or groups. We will not post comments that are clearly off-topic or that promote services or products. Comments that make unsupported accusations will also not be posted.

Frequency of blog entries and comment moderation

Every effort will be made to post new blog entries in a timely manner. In an effort to manage Federal resources effectively, we will review comments and post comments during business hours only. We will moderate and post comments submitted after hours, on weekends, or on holidays as soon as possible during the following business day.

Privacy

Any comments submitted enter the public domain and can be viewed by others. Participants should specifically ensure that blog comments contain no personal identifying or private medical information about a third party, especially information restricted from release under the Privacy Act or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). To protect your own privacy and the privacy of others, users should avoid including phone numbers or email addresses in the body of comments. Comments containing such information may be redacted or omitted.

Media

Media inquiries should be sent to ASPR Newsroom through normal channels. More information is available at PHE Newsroom.

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed in this blog are those of its authors and may not represent the official positions of the office of the Assistant Secretaty for Preparedness and Response or the Department of Health and Human Services.

Web Standards:

Information Standards are issued through the HHS Web Council. They apply to all Department Web sites whether owned by HHS or operated on behalf of HHS. This site is designed to optimize the users experience, how they act and react, and the tasks they are trying to complete. Additionally, HHS standards help to ensure consistency across Web sites and applications. For more information on HHS Web Standards please visit the HHS Standards, Guidance and Guidelines page.

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