Websites get clean bill of health

WASHINGTON - Millions of Americans using the internet for health information got a little more guidance yesterday with the independent certification of 13 health-related websites.

The American Accreditation HealthCare Commission, which certifies managed-care organisations and other health care companies, said it was reviewing dozens of other sites as well.

Surveys suggest that between 40 per cent and 60 per cent of all visits to the internet involve a search for health information.

The commission, whose own website can be found at http://www.urac.org, said this year that it would approve internet health sites based on a long list of requirements, ranging from oversight of content to guarantees of security.

A site has to comply with 53 standards, including guaranteeing a user's privacy, disclosing what information it is using and who else will see it.

The sites must also have doctors who check information content, identify everyone who provides the information, disclose any commercial sponsorship and support claims that a product or therapy will help someone.

Commission president Garry Carneal said 40 sites had applied for the seal of approval.

"A lot of people talk the talk, but when it gets to walking the walk, especially as regards security, a lot of companies have to make changes."

It was easy to find unreliable sites, Carneal said.

Many are trying to sell products.

Last month, the Federal Trade Commission warned about 40 websites that were marketing unproven treatments for anthrax and other potential biowarfare agents.

- REUTERS

American Accreditation HealthCare Commission