Section 4: Social Media

AHRQ Publishing and Communications Guideline

Contents

Social Media Standards and Policies
   AHRQ's Social Media Presence
   AHRQ Social Media Tools
   Content Guidelines
   Usage Guidelines
AHRQ Twitter Policy
   About Twitter
   How AHRQ Uses Twitter
   Twitter Content
   Hashtags
   Interactivity Guidelines
   Approval and Set Up
   Additional Guidelines
AHRQ YouTube Policy
   About YouTube
   How AHRQ Uses YouTube
   YouTube Content
   Interactivity Guidelines
   Approval and Set Up
   Additional Guidelines
AHRQ Facebook Policy
   About Facebook
   How AHRQ Uses Facebook
   Facebook Content
   Interactivity Guidelines
   Approval and Set Up
   Additional Guidelines
AHRQ Blog Policy
   About Blogging
   Blog Content
   Interactivity Guidelines
   Recordkeeping
   Approval and Set Up
   Additional Guidelines
AHRQ Comment Policy
AHRQ Social Media Checklist

Social Media Standards and Policies

As the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) continues to expand its social media presence, the Agency's goal is to ensure that social media outreach efforts by Agency staff and contractors are well coordinated and that the Agency maintains the highest standards for its brand and messages.

Those who wish to use social media technologies as part of official AHRQ communications must follow standards and policies that govern information and information technology. Below is a list of the standards and policies that apply to the use of social media. Visit the HHS New Media Standards and Policies Checklist for more information at: http://newmedia.hhs.gov/resources/standards_and_ policies_checklist.pdf [Plugin Software Help].

AHRQ staff should work with an OCKT representative to complete the AHRQ Social Media Checklist for any social media outreach.

For general questions on social media, Email socialmedia@ahrq.hhs.gov. For technical questions, Email Randie Siegel at randie.siegel@ahrq.hhs.gov or Biff LeVee at biff.levee@ahrq.hhs.gov.

AHRQ's Social Media Presence

AHRQ uses and has policies for the following social media tools:

• Twitter. AHRQ maintains two Twitter accounts: @AHRQNews, for general news about the agency, and @AHRQConf, for the AHRQ Annual Conference. Please read the AHRQ Twitter Policy for additional guidance.
• YouTube. AHRQ maintains a YouTube channel, AHRQHealthTV (http://www.youtube.com/user/AHRQHealthTV ). Please read the AHRQ YouTube Policy for additional guidance.
• Facebook. AHRQ creates Facebook pages for specific topics or campaigns. Please read the AHRQ Facebook Policy for additional guidance.
• Blogs. Due to resource limitations, AHRQ does not currently maintain or monitor a public blog. Please read the AHRQ Blog Policy for additional information.

AHRQ Social Media Tools

AHRQ has approved the following social media tools for use:

Select for specific AHRQ policy guidance for Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and blogs. Use of other social media tools listed on the HHS Terms of Service page is permissible, but specific AHRQ guidelines have not been developed for those tools. If you are interested in a tool not listed above, contact your OCKT strategic planner for assistance.

• Criteria and Approvals. Please see AHRQ's Social Media Checklist and the policy specific for each tool for complete details. Highlights of AHRQ policies for specific social media tools are as follows:
  • Twitter. Suggested tweets for the @AHRQNews Twitter account should be sent to Twitter@ahrq.hhs.gov. Tweets must be 140 characters or fewer and should include a Web link to the AHRQ information being promoted. Please read the AHRQ Twitter Policy for additional guidance.
  • Facebook. Content must be robust enough to support weekly posts. Send requests to set up a new Facebook page to socialmedia@ahrq.hhs.gov. The request for should include a completed AHRQ Social Media Checklist. Please read the AHRQ Facebook Policy for additional guidance.
  • YouTube. Videos for YouTube must be captioned before they can be posted to AHRQHealthTV, AHRQ's YouTube channel. Comments are enabled on AHRQ's YouTube channel. To submit content to be posted on one of the established YouTube channels, send an Email to socialmedia@ahrq.hhs.gov. Requests to create a new YouTube channel should be sent to socialmedia@ahrq.hhs.gov and include a completed AHRQ Social Media Checklist. Please read the AHRQ YouTube Policy for additional guidance.
  • Blogs. AHRQ does not currently maintain or monitor a public blog. Send requests to create a blog to socialmedia@ahrq.hhs.gov. The request should include a completed AHRQ Social Media Checklist. Please read the AHRQ Blog Policy for additional guidance.
    
    Note: AHRQ programs that maintain independent Twitter accounts, YouTube channels, Facebook pages, or blogs must assign staff members to monitor the account in accordance with AHRQ's Comment Policy.
• In addition to reviewing AHRQ's policies on social media tools, prior to initiating social media outreach, Agency staff should also:
  • Consult their Office or Center Director for approval.
  • Review HHS New Media Social Media Considerations (http://newmedia.hhs.gov/resources/hhscnm_ before_jumping_in_03-12-2010.pdf [Plugin Software Help]) to determine the ability of social media to meet their needs.
  • Complete the AHRQ Social Media Checklist and Email it to socialmedia@ahrq.hhs.gov.

Content Guidelines

AHRQ follows HHS guidelines for social media content. Two valuable resources on social media content are—

• Guidance on When and How To Engage Over New Media Platforms (http://newmedia.hhs.gov/resources/hhscnm_guidance_on_when_and_ how_to_engage_over_new_media_platforms_ 05032010.pdf [Plugin Software Help]).
• Social Media Considerations: Questions To Ask Before Jumping In (http://newmedia.hhs.gov/resources/hhscnm_ before_jumping_in_03-12-2010.pdf [Plugin Software Help]).

Please also see AHRQ's policies on specific social media tools for specific guidance on content.

Usage Guidelines

Copyrighted Content

• Ensure you gain permission to use any trademarked images, logos, or other copyrighted content. Go to AHRQ's copyright permission policy (http://www.ahrq.gov/research/publications/pubcomguide/index.html) for more information.

Official Agency Sources of Information and Branding

• Link to an AHRQ Web site from the social media tool.
• Use branding on the social media tool that clearly identifies your program's ownership or sponsorship as a Federal Government entity.

Accessibility

• Ensure that content posted or produced through social media tools is accessible to people with disabilities and is in compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (http://access-board.gov/sec508/standards.htm).

Information Collection

• Read the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance on Information Collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act (http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/inforeg/PRAPrimer_04072010.pdf [Plugin Software Help]) to determine if you need to seek approval from the Office of Information Collection.

Official Public Comment

• Do not solicit consensus advice (i.e., conduct polls) using social media technologies.

Public Privacy Protection

• Work with OCKT to complete a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA), if appropriate. An AHRQ representative will notify the HHS Privacy Team that you are starting an account with a third-party Web site and that you may need to complete a PIA.
• Link or post the AHRQ Privacy Policy (http://www.ahrq.gov/policy/privacy/index.html) prominently on the third-party Web site. Additional guidance on how AHRQ regards privacy issues can be found on the Privacy Policy page.

Cookies and Third-Party Sites and Applications

• Email Biff LeVee at biff.levee@ahrq.hhs.gov in OCKT for assistance in determining if the social media tool uses persistent cookies that collect Personally Identifiable Information (PII). OMB requires sites that use persistent cookies but don't collect PII to meet a number of conditions, mainly in the site's Privacy Policy.

Recordkeeping

• Contact Pat Bosco, AHRQ's Records Management Officer, at patricia.bosco@ahrq.hhs.gov or (301) 427-1207 to determine the appropriate records schedule and records management practices.

Comment Policy

• Link to AHRQ's Comment Policy if you allow comments.

Linking, Liking, and Following

• Include an exit disclaimer when linking to non-government links.
• Review the individual social media tool policies for guidance on which entities are appropriate to like and follow using social media tools.

Helpful References

• HHS Center for New Media Standards Page at http://newmedia.hhs.gov/standards/index.html.
• HHS Center for New Media Resources Page at http://newmedia.hhs.gov/resources/index.html.
• HHS Terms of Service Agreements at http://newmedia.hhs.gov/standards/tos.html.
• HHS-OCIO Policy for Social Media Technologies at http://www.hhs.gov/ocio/policy/policy_2010-0003_-_ocio.html.
• Information Collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act at http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/inforeg/PRAPrimer_04072010.pdf [Plugin Software Help].
• HHS Social Media Considerations at http://newmedia.hhs.gov/resources/hhscnm_ before_jumping_in_03-12-2010.pdf [Plugin Software Help].

AHRQ Twitter Policy

About Twitter

Twitter is a microblogging site that allows users to share information through 140-character messages. Twitter users follow other users who post useful or interesting information, and users retweet other users' tweets, thereby sharing those tweets with followers.

Because Twitter broadcasts to a group of people who have self-identified as interested in what a specific Twitter user has to say, a tweet is more targeted than a press release, interview, or media pitch. Twitter can also be used to gauge interest in a topic, gain feedback on a product, announce a campaign, and measure the impact of dissemination methods.

How AHRQ Uses Twitter

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) uses Twitter to broadcast the Agency's mission to an ever-growing audience. The Office of Communications and Knowledge Transfer (OCKT) maintains the Agency's two Twitter accounts, @AHRQNews and @AHRQConf, and has established this policy to ensure that Agency tweets are coordinated, present a balanced view of Agency activities, and further the Agency's mission. AHRQ uses Twitter to achieve three goals:

• To speak with one voice on behalf of the Agency when distributing content.
• To increase the number of followers to spread AHRQ's messages to a diverse audience.
• To raise the Agency's profile by highlighting work that is central to AHRQ's mission.

Twitter Content

OCKT works collaboratively with each Office and Center to identify appropriate Twitter content and to develop tweets. Each tweet is intended to strategically disseminate the most up-to-date and relevant AHRQ information. Guidance on developing suggested tweets appears at the end of this policy.

Hashtags

The # symbol, called a hashtag, is used to mark keywords or topics in a tweet and allows users to track their social influence because hashtags show how many people are talking about a topic. Hashtags also make it easy for AHRQ to brand content and for people to search for AHRQ content. OCKT welcomes suggestions for hashtags and recommends staff use these best practices:

• Use no more than three hashtags per tweet.
• Avoid starting a tweet with a hashtag.
• Introduce a new hashtag when you want to start a conversation.
• To join a conversation, find a hashtag currently being used. Find hashtags by performing a keyword search. Use popular hashtags that best fit your topic.

Interactivity Guidelines

Social media is more interactive than traditional information dissemination vehicles because it establishes a mechanism for action between the sender and receiver. Interaction occurs in three ways on Twitter:

• Following other users.
• Retweeting.
• Responding to comments and inquiries.

The following guidelines apply to AHRQ's interaction on the @AHRQNews and @AHRQConf Twitter accounts:

• Following other Twitter users. AHRQ will follow other Federal, State, and local health care-related agencies as well as partners, stakeholders, and influencers.
• Retweeting. AHRQ will retweet information from Federal and State agencies and organizations that have a partnership with AHRQ provided that the tweet aligns with AHRQ's mission. Requests to retweet will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
• Responding to inquiries. AHRQ will respond to comments and inquiries in two ways:
  • The Twitter profile page (https://twitter.com/#!/AHRQNews ) will include language directing users to the AHRQ Contact Us page (http://www.ahrq.gov/contact/index.html) if they have questions or comments. Inquiries received through the Contact Us page will follow the AHRQ process.
  • OCKT will assess individual inquiries on Twitter and work directly with the AHRQ staff member who submitted the tweet to write a response.

Neither AHRQ staff nor contractors will respond to media inquiries through Twitter. Media inquiries will be sent to Alison Hunt at alison.hunt@ahrq.hhs.gov.

In cases where these guidelines do not address a specific issue concerning an interaction, OCKT will work with AHRQ program staff to address the issue or question before responding. Send questions to socialmedia@ahrq.hhs.gov.

Approval and Set Up

Text for suggested tweets should be sent to twitter@ahrq.hhs.gov. OCKT will review all suggested tweets. Suggested tweets should include a Web link to the AHRQ product being promoted. Individuals who have suggested tweets should coordinate the tweets with the OCKT Strategic Planner to ensure tweets conform to Twitter, HHS, and AHRQ guidelines. Go to the HHS Twitter Guidelines for additional details about Twitter: http://newmedia.hhs.gov/resources/twitter_guidance.html #IXWhatdoweneedtoPLANandorpreparefortobegintweeting. Also, see Additional Guidelines and Interactivity Guidelines for details.

To create a new Twitter account, please fill out the Social Media Checklist and follow the instructions for submission. Submit completed form to socialmedia@ahrq.hhs.gov. See Additional Guidelines and Interactivity Guidelines for details.

Additional Guidelines

OCKT welcomes suggestions for tweets from Offices and Centers and asks staff to follow these guidelines:

• Tweets should highlight an AHRQ product, including guides, databases, toolkits, Web conferences, events, exhibits, presentations, research findings, funding announcements, final reports, etc.
• Tweets are limited to 140 characters, including spaces, hashtags, and URLs. AHRQ uses a URL shortener that helps keep tweets to the 140-character limit.
• Sample tweets:
  • New #AHRQ review finds benefits of #bonemarrow transplants for Wolman's Disease in pediatric populations http://go.usa.gov/nVT #CER #PCOR.
  • Get AHRQ's new brief on improving #quality of the #PCMH evidence and evaluation. Read more: http://go.usa.gov/gKBV.
  • Share the latest evidence on C-diff treatment, prevention: Free faculty slide set from #AHRQ http://go.usa.gov/NkJ.

AHRQ YouTube Policy

This policy is intended to ensure that videos on the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ's) YouTube channels are coordinated, present a balanced view of the Agency's activities, and further the Agency's mission.

About YouTube

YouTube is a free, online video streaming service that allows anyone to view and share videos that users have uploaded to the YouTube Web site. Users can share videos via YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, other social networking sites, Email, and other channels. YouTube users also interact with other users by commenting on videos.

YouTube is the most well-known video sharing network. Like other social media platforms, it can be used to gauge interest in a topic, gain feedback on a product, announce a campaign, see the impact of research, and provide deeper context and resources than traditional dissemination methods.

How AHRQ Uses YouTube

AHRQ uses its YouTube channels to broadcast messages to consumer or professional audiences to:

• Distribute AHRQ content.
• Increase the number of subscribers and video views to spread AHRQ's messages to various consumer audiences.
• Raise the profile of the Agency by highlighting work that is central to AHRQ's mission.

YouTube Content

Each video should strategically disseminate up-to-date and relevant AHRQ information. To identify appropriate YouTube content, AHRQ staff and contractors work collaboratively with the appropriate program and Office of Communications and Knowledge Transfer (OCKT) staff members. All videos are subject to review by AHRQ's YouTube Content Manager, Biff LeVee in OCKT, who maintains AHRQ's YouTube account.

Interactivity Guidelines

YouTube is a communication tool that places a high value on sharing and commenting on videos. The following guidelines govern AHRQ's interactions on YouTube:

• Subscribing to other YouTube channels. AHRQ will subscribe to YouTube channels that belong to Federal, State and local health care-related agencies as well as channels that belong to partners, stakeholders, and influencers. AHRQ will not subscribe to political YouTube channels.
• Responding to inquiries or comments. Users may leave comments on AHRQ YouTube channels provided the comments adhere to the AHRQ Comment Policy (http://www.ahrq.gov/policy/social-media/comment-policy.html). AHRQ YouTube channels will include a link to the AHRQ Comment Policy. The AHRQ YouTube channel includes language directing users to the AHRQ Contact Us page (http://www.ahrq.gov/contact/index.html) if they have questions. Inquiries received through the Contact Us page will follow the AHRQ process.

In cases where these guidelines do not address a specific issue concerning an interaction, OCKT will work with AHRQ program staff to address the issue or question before responding. Send questions to socialmedia@ahrq.hhs.gov.

Approval and Set Up

To submit content to be posted to one of the established AHRQ YouTube channels, send an Email to socialmedia@ahrq.hhs.gov. See Additional Guidelines and Interactivity Guidelines for details.

To create your own YouTube channel, fill out the Social Media Checklist and submit it to socialmedia@ahrq.hhs.gov. See Additional Guidelines and Interactivity Guidelines for details.

Additional Guidelines

• Videos should highlight AHRQ products including campaigns, toolkits, Web conferences, events, presentations, research findings, etc.
• The OCKT Strategic Planner should be included in discussions early on when creating a video or a new YouTube channel. Decisions regarding creating a YouTube channel need to consider AHRQ's overall needs rather than what is needed for a specific instance. Ideas for videos should be listed on the AHRQ Social Media Checklist and coordinated with the OCKT Strategic Planner and Office or Center Director.
• Videos must be captioned according to YouTube's specifications. Either a separate .srt file with time stamps must be prepared or a transcript must exist to caption a YouTube video. No transcript is needed if the .srt caption file works correctly.

AHRQ Facebook Policy

About Facebook

Facebook is a free Web-based network that helps people connect with other individuals, organizations, and ideas. The Facebook ecosystem is made up of hundreds of separate networks based around schools, businesses, regions, and other shared interests.

Individual users have accounts called "profiles" that they update by posting pictures, comments, and videos for others to view. Users can also read a "news feed" of updates from other people in their network. Users grow their networks by requesting other users to become "friends," or by "liking" accounts held by organizations or public figures.

Organizations and public figures, including government offices, don't have profiles but instead have pages. Pages are similar to profiles, but pages represent an official professional presence.

Facebook, like other social media platforms, can be used to gauge interest in a topic, gain feedback on a product, announce a campaign, and see the impact of research.

How AHRQ Uses Facebook

The Office of Communications and Knowledge Transfer (OCKT) maintains the main Facebook account for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)—www.facebook.com/ahrq.gov. AHRQ's goal is to expand its presence on Facebook and strategically create additional pages that further the Agency's reach and mission.

AHRQ uses Facebook to achieve four goals:

• To speak with one voice on behalf of the Agency and distribute content to consumers.
• To communicate with consumers directly and in an engaging way.
• To increase the number of friends to spread AHRQ's messages to consumer audiences.
• To raise the Agency's profile by highlighting work that is central to AHRQ's mission.

Facebook Content

OCKT will work collaboratively with each AHRQ Office and Center to identify and post Facebook content. The purpose of each post is to disseminate the most up-to-date and relevant information with a focus on the consumer. Both OCKT and program staff can develop posts; all AHRQ Facebook page posts are subject to review by OCKT staff and program staff.

Interactivity Guidelines

Facebook places a high value communication between the sender and receiver. On Facebook, this interactivity occurs in three ways: "Liking" other Facebook users' statuses, sharing or posting links, and responding to comments or questions. The following policy governs AHRQ's Facebook interactivity.

• Liking. AHRQ will like other Federal, State, and local health care-related agencies as well as partners, stakeholders, and influencers. AHRQ will not like political pages.
• Sharing posts. AHRQ will share information upon request, provided that the post aligns with AHRQ's mission, from Federal and State health care-related agencies and organizations that have a relationship with AHRQ. Requests to share other organizations' information will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
• Responding to inquiries or comments.
  • All AHRQ Facebook pages, including those representing individual campaigns or portfolios, will include language that directs users to the AHRQ Contact Us page (http://www.ahrq.gov/contact/index.html) if they have any questions or comments. Inquiries received through the Contact Us page will follow the AHRQ process for response.
  • AHRQ will abide by the AHRQ Comment Policy (http://www.ahrq.gov/policy/social-media/comment-policy.html) when reviewing comments. All AHRQ Facebook accounts will include a link to the AHRQ Comment Policy.
  • For comments that may not be addressed by the AHRQ Comment Policy (http://www.ahrq.gov/policy/social-media/comment-policy.html), OCKT or appropriate program staff will review the post and craft a response.
  • AHRQ will not respond to media inquiries through Facebook. Media inquiries will be sent to OCKT.

Approval and Set Up

To submit content to be posted on the AHRQ Facebook page, send an Email to socialmedia@ahrq.hhs.gov that includes: The text for the post, date it should be posted, and any related links. See Guidelines below for additional details.

To create your own AHRQ Facebook page, fill out the AHRQ Social Media Checklist and submit it to socialmedia@ahrq.hhs.gov. Also, work with an OCKT managing editor to ensure appropriate external link disclaimers are put in place.

Additional Guidelines

OCKT welcomes suggestions for AHRQ Facebook posts from AHRQ's Offices and Centers and asks that staff follow these guidelines:

• Suggestions for Facebook posts must include a Web link to the item, to additional information, or to a phone number.
• Posts should be concise and written in plain language. Go to http://www.ahrq.gov/policy/plain-writing/index.html for additional guidance on plain language.
• Posts can highlight any AHRQ product: Guides, databases, toolkits, Web conferences, events, exhibits, presentations, research findings, funding announcements, final reports, etc.
• Posts are limited to one status update per day or five updates per week. Posting too frequently may cause users to "un-like" AHRQ.
• Examples of Facebook posts:
  • You expect to have options everywhere else in life. Why not with your health care? Learn some tips to help you better understand your treatment options. www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/options/start-conversation.
  • Read this article from AHRQ's Dr. Carolyn Clancy to learn how to choose the right nursing home for you or a loved one. www.ahrq.gov/consumer/cc/cc120611.htm.
  • Escucha el podcast sobre cómo controlar la obesidad infantil y las recomendaciones de la Dra. Ponce-González. www.healthcare411.ahrq.gov/radiocastseg.aspx?id=1093&type=seg&PC=hispfb.

AHRQ Blog Policy

About Blogging

A blog is a Web site that features regular postings of commentary; descriptions of events; or other material, such as graphics, video, or podcasts. Individuals, organizations, or small groups of individuals maintain blogs, which are typically written in a conversational tone.

The Federal Government uses blogs as communications tools because they put a human face on the Government, provide a more personal way to convey a message, get people involved in a conversation, and foster discussion around a common interest. Due to resource limitations, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) currently does not maintain a public blog.

Blog Content

The purpose of each blog and blog post is to strategically disseminate the most up-to-date and relevant information. All blog posts will be subject to review by the Office of Communications and Knowledge Transfer (OCKT) or the appropriate program staff.

Interactivity Guidelines

Blogs place a high value on interactivity, namely readers commenting on blog posts and asking the blogger questions. The ability to comment allows blogs to create a community, enables readers to become stakeholders and contributors, generates discussion and ideas, and permits transparency and engagement.

All AHRQ blogs must include a link to the AHRQ Comment Policy found at: http://www.ahrq.gov/policy/social-media/comment-policy.html.

In cases where the AHRQ Comment Policy does not address a specific issue concerning an interaction, OCKT will work with an appropriate representative of the AHRQ portfolio to address the issue or question before a response is posted.

Recordkeeping

AHRQ bloggers must keep records of blog comments. Email Pat Bosco, AHRQ's Records Management Officer, at patricia.bosco@ahrq.hhs.gov to determine the appropriate records schedule and records management practices.

Approval and Set Up

To create a blog, meet with the appropriate OCKT Strategic Planner to discuss managing and supporting the blog. Consider the following: Target audience, objectives, activities, technical requirements (e.g., 508 compliance, video formats), and resources needed to coordinate the blog. Keep in mind that AHRQ views the blog audiences as consumers, not health professionals, researchers, or service providers. After meeting with the Strategic Planner, complete the AHRQ Social Media Checklist and send it to socialmedia@ahrq.hhs.gov.

Additional Guidelines

OCKT asks that staff follow these guidelines:

• Posts should be concise and written in plain language. Go to http://www.ahrq.gov/policy/plain-writing/index.html for additional guidance on plain language.
• A best practice in blogging is for posts to come from the person authoring the post, not a ghostwriter.
• Posts should highlight AHRQ campaigns, toolkits, Web conferences, events, presentations, research findings, publications, etc.
• More information on HHS blog best practices (http://newmedia.hhs.gov/resources/blog_ guidance.html#6Bestpracticesforblogging) is available from HHS Center for New Media.
• Send all additional questions to socialmedia@ahrq.hhs.gov.

AHRQ Comment Policy

This policy applies to public comments and content submitted to Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) sites. AHRQ encourages the public to share comments on the content of this or any AHRQ Web site to promote an active exchange of ideas.

AHRQ reviews all comments and content that the public submits for posting and reserves the right not to post submitted content or to remove content that is inconsistent with this policy.

AHRQ will not post submitted content if it contains:

• Vulgar, profane, or abusive language; personal attacks of any kind; inappropriate religious, sexual, political, or racial references; or unsupported accusations.
• Endorsements of commercial products, services, organizations, or other entities.
• Endorsements of political parties, candidates, or groups.
• Content that infringes on copyright.
• Solicitation of funds.
• Comments on any ongoing investigation.
• Procurement-sensitive information related to any current or future AHRQ acquisitions.
• Surveys, polls, questionnaires, etc., subject to OMB Paperwork Reduction Act clearance.
• Reporters' questions. All media inquiries must be directed to Alison Hunt at alison.hunt@ahrq.hhs.gov.

In posting comments or other content to a Web site owned or administered by AHRQ, the submitter irrevocably grants AHRQ permission to copy, distribute, make derivatives of, display, or perform the work publicly and free-of-charge. All submitted content is understood to reflect the opinion of the submitter, and its appearance on an AHRQ site does not indicate that it reflects the official views of the AHRQ, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or the Federal Government.

Because posts are public, submitters should not include information (for example, Social Security numbers) in the text of a comment that personally identifies them in a way they do not intend. Additional guidance on how AHRQ regards privacy issues can be found at AHRQ's Privacy Policy page. All third party Web sites must link to AHRQ's privacy policy.

AHRQ welcomes submissions of comments and content at any time. Comment and content review and posting will generally occur during regular business hours from Monday through Friday. AHRQ will review and post comments and content submitted at other times as soon as possible.

AHRQ Social Media Checklist

This checklist aids in the review and approval process of social media tools to ensure the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) provides high-quality communications. Please complete a checklist for each social media tool you wish to use. Do not begin using the social media tool until you receive all the required approvals. See Section 4.

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