The Internet is an unprecedented medium of free expression. It ignores
national and cultural boundaries. Internet technologies are developing
with bewildering speed. A single Web site can cover a vast array of
unrelated subjects. Conventional print and audio-visual media leave
a physical record, while net content is volatile: here today, gone tomorrow.
For all these reasons and more,
- There is no common legal framework for the provision of healthcare
information on the Internet and other on-line services;
- The Internet community itself has a record of stiff resistance to
attempted government regulation;
- Legislative bodies seem unable, if not unwilling, to address the
dynamics of this global medium in a timely manner.
Webmasters and information providers can themselves apply the HONcode
to set basic good standards for the presentation of healthcare advice
and information. Of course, they are free to accept or reject it. But
in formally submitting an application
for certification, they commit themselves strictly to observe all the
HONcode principles. They are held to this commitment by the entire Internet
community and through verification by the .
What is the application process?
View the
and the
What the HONcode cannot do
The HONcode proposes benchmarks designed to make sure readers always
know the source and purpose of the information they are reading.
It does not seek to rate the medical accuracy, validity
or appropriateness of the information itself. There is no substitute
for the person-to-person practice of medicine. The second HONcode principle
clearly states that medical information on the Internet can support,
but never replace, the relationship between patients and their care-providers.
Users of the medical Internet must themselves develop
the knowledge and discernment necessary to avoid dubious Web sites.
HON encourages users to practise caution and healthy scepticism. While
the HONcode seal on sites should be a handy reference, we also recommend
that users study a number of useful criteria and evaluation tools ,
, , .
Evolution
The HONcode is dynamic and has evolved from discussions with Webmasters,
patient support groups and medical professionals in several countries.
HON may incorporate additional principles and/or modifications, based
upon constructive feedback from users and after consultation with all
subscribing sites and the wider Internet community.
HON is very grateful for this valuable input. If you have a comment
to make, please mail it to
Acknowledgement
We would like to thank the more than 6,800 sites that already adhere
to the HONcode. The Health On the Net Foundation wholeheartedly supports
the propagation of useful health and medical information on the Internet
and greatly appreciates the considerable efforts made in this domain
by many individuals and organisations around the world.
Note
Every display of the HONcode certified seal must be linked with a certification request. It is not agreed to display the seal before obtaining the HONcode certification. All webmasters using of the "HONcode Certified" seal without our permission and that is detected will be notified .
Warning, websites concerning medical tourism can not apply for the certification.
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