Frames are compliant with any HTML 4.0 browser and are a part of the HTML 4.0 specifications.

Standards

1. Frames should be avoided when at all possible and used only when no other method of displaying multiple files or data meets the functional needs of the site.
    
2. If frames are used, each frame must have an unique, function identifying name,
   example: 
    <FRAME src="nav.html" name="frame name">
   
   
3. If frames are used, ensure that pages are readable and usable without frames. Use the "NOFRAMES" tag, which is the default for browsers that cannot view frames, alternative at the end of each "FRAMESET" tag.

Guidelines

Reference the HHS World Wide Web Applications and the Internet Best Practices and Guidelines, http://www.hhs.gov/progorg/oirm/bestguid.html for additional information.