New Rules for Website
For Physicians, Physician Assistants and Acupuncturist, if you have a website for yourself or your practice effect July 1, 2010, the Board has instituted new rules that directly affect you. The rule, I believe is some what onerous and vague. I think it may be difficult for some people to comply with; but if you want to keep the Board off your back, you best attempt to adjust your website accordingly.
The rule is 164.6.Required Disclosures on Websites.
(a) Disclosure. A licensee that maintains a website in relation to the license’s professional practice must clearly disclose:
(1) ownership of the website;
(2) specific services provided;
(3) office address and contact information;
(4) licensure and qualifications of physician(s) and associated health care providers;
(5) fees for online consultation and services and how payment is to be made;
(6) financial interest in any information, products, or services;
(7) appropriate uses and limitations of the site, including providing health advice and emergency health situations;
(8) uses and response times for e-mails, electronic messages, and other communications transmitted via the site;
(9) to whom patient health information may be disclosed and for what purpose;
(10) rights of patients with respect to patient health information; and
(11) information collected and any passive tracking mechanisms utilized.
(b) Accountability. Licensees must provide patients with a clear mechanism to:
(1) access, supplement, and amend patient-provided personal health information;
(2) provide feedback regarding the site and the quality of information and services; and
(3) register complaints, including information regarding filing a complaint with the Texas Medical Board as provided for in Chapter 178 of this title (relating to Complaints).
(c) Advertising/Promotion of Goods or Products. Advertising or promotion of goods or products that a licensee sells outside the normal course of business from which the physician receives direct remuneration or incentives is prohibited.
I would strongly advise you to review your website to ensure it complies with this rule and the information demanded of it is complied with. You may want to consult a professional to ensure compliance.