Policies & Standards

Polices, standards, and guidelines apply to all Department Web sites (Operating and Staff Divisions), whether owned by HHS or operated on behalf of HHS.

The HHS Web Council determines Web standards. To be adopted a full majority of the Council must vote to accept a standard.

HHS Web Policies

Many HHS web polices start as directives or memos issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) or grow out of federal law.

HHS Web Standards, Guidelines, and Guidance

Standards create a consistent experience across all HHS websites. They are written using evidence-based research.

Guidance on implementing standards is provided by the Web Communications and New Media Division (WCD) of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs.

Federal Policies

These policies govern things like:

• what information a federal website may collect
• how information collected by a federal website must be stored and protected
• ways to make information on federal websites accessible to people with disabilities

All federal websites must comply with federal Web policies.