HONcode certificate: respect of the 8 HONcode principles by the health website

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Certificate of compliance with the Code of Conduct HONcode

The health Website
Quackwatch
is in compliance with the HONcode

Title of the site: Quackwatch
Web address: http://www.quackwatch.org/
HONcode PIN number : HONConduct875
Date of initial review: 17 Jun 1997
Validity of certificate 18 Apr 2012 - Apr 2014
Date of last visit 18 Apr 2012

This certificate confirms the revision of the site by the HONcode Team at the above date.
It respects and pledges to honor the 8 principles of the HON Code of Conduct (HONcode).

* 1. Authoritative 2. Complementarity 3. Privacy 4. Attribution 5. Justifiability 6. Transparency
7. Financial disclosure 8. Advertising policy

Speed access of ethical health information online is critical.

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Do you think the site is not respecting the HONcode?

The Health on the Net (HON) certificate serves as a guarantee that this website, at the date of its certification, complies with and pledges to honor the 8 principles of the HON Code of Conduct as drawn up by the HON foundation.

The responsible of the certified site commits to keep the site in compliance with the HON code principles for the duration of the certification.

Although measures such as a complaint mechanism, the periodical review and the automatic surveillance mechanisms are put in place to guarantee the compliance of the certified website with the ethical principles of HON as much as possible, incidental inaccuracies cannot be completely excluded. In no event the HON foundation and/or its partner(s) can be held liable for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use HON certified websites nor can the HON foundation and/or its partner(s) be held liable for the content of these certified websites, including, but not limited to the information of third-parties or hyperlinks accessible via HON certified websites.

The certified website is responsible for the content of its website, unless otherwise provided by law.

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You will find below the elements identified by the HONcode team at a precise date to justify the respect of the 8 ethical principles.

The content of this certificate has been collected and written by the Health On the Net Foundation (HON) and should not be used without previous permission granted by HON. A request for permission can be sent to: HON.

1. Information must be authoritative

http://www.quackwatch.org/00AboutQuackwatch/honcode.html

Stephen Barrett, M.D., a retired psychiatrist [...]

Any medical advice provided and hosted on this site will only be given by medically trained and qualified professionals unless a clear statement is made that a piece of advice offered is from a non-medically qualified individual/organization.
(17 Apr 2012) -

2. Presentation of the site
Mission:

Quackwatch Mission Statement
Quackwatch is an international network of people who are concerned about health-related frauds, myths, fads, fallacies, and misconduct. Its primary focus is on quackery-related information that is difficult or impossible to get elsewhere.
(17 Apr 2012) -

Audience:

people who are concerned about health-related frauds, myths, fads, fallacies, and misconduct
(17 Apr 2012) -

Purpose of the website

The information provided on this site is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her existing physician. [Some of our information can enhance discussion with competent health professionals. However, articles about irrational practices may provide reason to seek care elsewhere.]
(17 Apr 2012) -

3. Confidentiality

Quackwatch collects no electronic or personal data from visitors to our site and does not reveal individual medical information without permission. Comments about our sites may be posted without revealing the identity of the sender.
(17 Apr 2012) -

4. Information must be documented: Referenced and dated

Only data for one sample are displayed among those selected.

Dubious "Yeast Allergies"
References
(17 Apr 2012) -

Portions of Quackwatch are updated several times a month.
Most recent update: February 8, 2012.
(17 Apr 2012) -

5. Justification of claims

Lyme Disease:
Questionable Diagnosis and Treatment
(17 Apr 2012) -

6. User support and adequation

How to Contact Dr. Barrett
(17 Apr 2012) -

7. Disclosure of funding sources

Who Funds Quackwatch?
(17 Apr 2012) -

8. Advertising policy

The advertisers, of course, have no influence on what we write.
(17 Apr 2012) -

Our recommended links are for products and/or services from companies that I believe offer exceptional value. Some pay a monthly fee or a commission for products offered, but others are listed simply because I like them. This income helps cover the cost of our research and site maintenance.
(17 Apr 2012) -

Any ads or sponsored links that we carry are clearly identified as such.
(17 Apr 2012) -

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