The Internet offers a wealth of information that can help patients learn about their medical conditions and engage in more productive discussions with their healthcare providers. It also offers convenience unmatched in the off-line world. At the same time, the enormous potential of the Internet for healthcare brings with it risks, such as inaccurate or biased articles or the abuse of personal information. The companies came together to develop the Hi-Ethics principles because consumers need to distinguish trustworthy health Web sites from others. These companies have been committed to achieving a greater good for Internet healthcare consumers.
Many companies set aside competitive pressures and business opportunities in order to meet our goal.
Hi-Ethics member companies intend to be fully compliant with the principles by November 1, 2000. While each company is developing its own implementation timetable, they have already begun design and other business changes necessary to meet the Hi-Ethics standards. Some are already in compliance with significant parts of the principles. The Journal News, a Gannett Co., Inc. newspaper.