News Release Clearance Checklist – What to Look For

• Business process of including Web early in the development of news releases and announcements is essential. Involve your Web staff.

• The Web is your primary means of communication.

• Each OP/STAFFDIV must have a Web coordinator(s) designated so that they can receive or send information regarding action on clearance

• News Releases and other outreach documents should have a Web link(s) for more information.

• The check list below is to be completed before sending release to ASPA for clearance.

  Link Checking:

  • There is a link(s) to content relevant to the news release topic
    • If the news release does not contain a link(s), search site or ask the program re relevant link information
  • All links go directly to relevant content (not home page) - very important
  • Links work (check all links on page, not just what is being announced)
  • Links to non-federal government sites are identified as such
    • To disclaim links to non-federal government sites, please comply with the HHS "External Link Icon & Disclaimer" standard at: http://www.hhs.gov/web/policies/standards/disclaimer.html

  General Web site Check (all linked sites)

  • Is the information presented 508 compliant*
    • http://www.hhs.gov/web/policies/index.html#508
  • Is content current, remove outdated content; is there embarrassing information
  • Navigation on the site works so items are easy to find

  Global Web site Check (new or significantly revised sites)

  • Meets Web Standards and guidance on www.hhs.gov/web
  • Are there Privacy Act and Security Issues
    • If the Web site related to the news release includes collection of personal info on forms, conference registration, etc., the form or contents on the Web site must be cleared by your CIO first. The CIO's office will ensure federal privacy requirements are met.

*Even if link is to an old or revised Web site, the information must be made 508 compliant because you are calling attention to the page/site in the new release. 508 is the law and must to be adhered to - the Department is in the process of remediating all existing sites for 508 compliance.