Standards

1. Each web site should have a clearly defined purpose that supports the mission of the IHS component.
    
2. Each IHS Component carries the following responsibilities:
    
1. Consistent with other leadership responsibilities for public and internal communication, making the decision whether or not to establish an organizational web site and to publish appropriate instructions and regulations for a web site within the limitations established by this document.
    
2. The Head of the IHS Component, or his/her designee, approves the purpose and general content of the web site.
    
3. Designating a web developer for their site.
    
4. Establishing a process for the identification of information appropriate for posting to web sites and ensuring its consistent implementation.
    
5. Identifying the sponsoring IHS office or program prominently on all web pages with a link back to that office or program’s home page.
    
6. Linking all office or program home pages back to their "parent" directory.
    
7. Obtaining appropriate clearances prior to releasing information, in either paper or electronic format.
    
8. Creating, updating, and maintaining their own web pages.
    
9. Keeping abreast of and abiding by IHS Standards and Guidelines.
    
10. Ensuring that a process for communications from their web pages is in place.
     
11. Acting as the liaison between any contractor developing pages for IHS web space and their designated web team point of contact.
     
12. Consulting with their designated IHS web team point of contact for advice on web design, implementation, and maintenance, as well as web-related tools and techniques.
    
    
13. Prior to the release of a new web site or a major revision to an existing web site, final endorsement must be obtained from the designated IHS Web Team point of contact.

Guidelines

1. For preventing duplication on the IHS web site, a web site shall normally be limited only to information for which the establishing organization is responsible. Hyperlinks should be used to reference information already located on the server(s).
    
2. For additional information, reference the "Information Collection/Surveys", "Information Release" and "Information/Web Page Sponsor" sections in the HHS Best Practices and Guidelines, http://www.hhs.gov/progorg/oirm/bestguid.html.