Server logs and log analysis tools are used on the TMB web site only for statistical and site management purposes. The site (http://www.tmb.state.tx.us) does not use cookies (small files residing on a user's hard drive, used by a web site to track specific information). All information collected, including server log information and e-mails sent to the agency, is subject to disclosure upon request pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, codified at Texas Government Code, Section 552.011 (Vernon's 2000). However, public provided e-mail addresses that are used to communicate directly with the agency are exempt from open records and not subject to disclosure unless the member of the public affirmatively consents to release. Please also note that citizen e-mails  sent to the agency  are not encryption protected via Secure Sockets Layers by our server and may be subject to interception by common internet tools by third parties.

 

The content of our site is considered "public domain" and therefore can be used without permission; however prior to publication, we request notification from the public detailing the specific content being used and the location where the content will be published. Additionally, we have no restrictions on linking to our site, as long as a fee is not charged to access the site.

The Texas Medical Board (TMB) is committed to making its website accessible to all users according to the standards set forth by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). It is our goal to achieve the highest level of accessibility attainable. 

 

TMB welcomes comments on how to improve the site's accessibility for users with disabilities. If you use assistive technology and the format of any material on our website interferes with your ability to access the information, please contact the Government Affairs and Communications Department and provide details of the situation. 

 

If you need special accommodation pursuant to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact TMB’s ADA Coordinator. Address any questions about TMB's accessibility policies to the General Counsel. 

The Texas Medical Board (TMB) Social Media Policy is based on the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) Social Medial Guidelines and may be subject to revision at any time.

  • TMB’s social media sites are created for the limited purpose of disseminating information to Board licensees, stakeholders and the general public and are not intended nor created to be an open public forum.
  • Information contained on TMB social media sites is provided for informational purposes only. Posts do not represent an official position or endorsement by the Board or Board staff, constitute rulemaking, or amend any rule, statute or decision.
  • TMB is neither responsible for the content nor endorses any third party site which has a link to or from this site.

 

Social media sites do not replace traditional means of communication including the TMB website (tmb.state.tx.us), the primary official source of agency information.

 

Privacy

Only public information is permitted to be posted on social media sites. TMB is not responsible for third party content posted to TMB social media sites.

NOTE: Social media sites are not appropriate for filing complaints. For more information on how to file a complaint, visit the File a Complaint page.

 

Terms of Service

TMB social media sites are third party sites that have terms of service and policies that are not governed by TMB or the State of Texas. These third party sites are not official TMB websites and the third party’s website terms of service and polices apply.

 

Content

All published content on TMB social media sites is subject to monitoring. TMB reserves the right to remove any post.

 

TMB is unable to respond to questions or comments relating to matters or issues in pending or anticipated litigation.

 

The views expressed in replies, retweets, likes, followers, favorites, and/or links reflect those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement or agreement by TMB, and do not necessarily reflect the views and/or policies of TMB or the State of Texas.

 

Social media sites are subject to state records retention requirements. TMB shall ensure that site content is retained in proper TMB record series in accordance to TMB’s records retention schedule.

 

TMB social media sites may contain communications sent to or by state employees and may be subject to open records laws; however, TMB social media sites are not an appropriate method for submitting an open records request.

 

For more information on submitting an open records request, visit the Open Records Request page.

 

The Facebook mobile site is a suggested accessible alternative to the original TMB Facebook page. Additional information is available on Facebook's accessibility support page.

This policy documents the Texas Medical Board’s policy on linking between TMB and third-party websites. The policy helps ensure the following:

 

  1. Information on TMB’s site benefits the public including consumers, licensees, applicants, stakeholder and interested parties.
  2. TMB site visitors can be confident TMB site content is reliable.
  3. TMB does not endorse, approve or support the content or position of the third-party site.
  4. The TMB website is not a forum for public communication and debate.

 

Links to the Texas Medical Board Website

This section outlines the requirements for a third-party to include a link to TMB’s site on their site.


Allowed Actions

  • You do not need permission to link to TMB’s website(s).
  • You may link to any page.


Third-Party Requirements

  • Any link to the TMB site should be a full forward link that passes the client browser to TMB unencumbered.
  • The "Back" button should return the visitor third party site.
  • Continually verify your links to the TMB site. Specific pages may change or be removed as content changes.


Prohibited Actions

  • Any other website shall not:
    • Capture TMB pages within frame;
    • Present TMB content as its own, or
    • Otherwise misrepresent TMB content.
  • Any other website shall not misinform users about the origin or ownership of TMB content.
  • Certain information on TMB may be trademarked, service-marked, or
  • Protected intellectual property must be used in accordance with state and federal laws and must reflect the proper ownership of the intellectual property.

 

Links from the Texas Medical Board Website

This section outlines the requirements and process for a third party to request that TMB include a link to their site on TMB’s site.


Allowed Links

  • Federal, state, and local governments that provide information and services that benefit Texas citizens, Texas local government, and Texas state agencies.
  • At TMB’s discretion, links to non-governmental websites that contain information and/or services that further the purpose of TMB, including:
    • sites of TMB-contracted vendors,
    • relevant licensee-related associations, and
    • timely and relevant licensee publications.
  • The third party site’s content corresponds with the purpose of TMB.
  • Every link request must undergo review to determine its relevance and appropriateness to the purpose of TMB.


Third-Party Site Requirements

To give superior customer service to citizens and businesses accessing governmental information and services through TMB, we require that external websites linked from TMB meet the following conditions in order to maintain a link on TMB’s website:

  • When the user clicks on the third party site link, TMB will open the link in a new browser tab or window, depending on the user’s browser settings.
  • Third party sites should not excessively burden the TMB customer support system. TMB has discretion to take the third party site link off of the TMB website if it creates an excessive burden.
  • The third party site must provide the user with access to an email address and/or a customer service telephone number so that users may contact the site if there are problems with format, accuracy, timeliness, or payment processing.
  • Third party sites must have a privacy and security policy accessible from their home page informing the user of what information is collected, how it is collected, and how it is used.
  • TMB encourages third party sites to comply with industry-accepted accessibility standards to ensure that persons with disabilities may access these sites.
  • Third party sites must notify TMB at the email address provided below if the site to which TMB links becomes inaccurate or inactive.

 

Prohibited Links

TMB reserves the right to deny links to third party sites.

  • The site's content does not reflect purpose of TMB including:
    • Site that exhibits hate, bias, discrimination, pornography, libelous or otherwise defamatory content;
    • Site that advocates or promotes the use of alcohol or tobacco;
    • Site belonging to or supporting a political affiliation; or
    • Site that furthers the agenda of a political organization or candidate running for office.
  • The third party’s site contains:
    • Misleading or unsubstantiated claims,
    • Conflicts with the purpose of TMB, or
  • Does not meet one or more of the criteria set forth in this policy.


Link Review Process

All links will be reviewed before being placed on TMB’s site.

  • Email link requests to the Government Affairs and Communications Department, indicating “Link Request” in the subject line. Each link request should address how the site complies with this policy.
  • Any site submitted for review must comply with the Third-Party Site Requirements
  • The link request will be reviewed against this policy. The TMB General Counsel will review each request as to whether the requesting site complies with the criteria set out in this policy.
  • Following the review of General Counsel all link requests must be reviewed and approved by TMB, which may include a Committee of TMB, at a regularly called and properly noticed meeting of TMB.
  • Any approved third party may be required to enter into a written linking agreement with TMB.


Link Removal Process

TMB reserves the right to remove links if it determines that a link does not comply with this policy. The decision of the TMB General Counsel is final as to whether a link is to be removed from TMB. Links from TMB will be reviewed regularly and may be removed for the following reasons:

  • The third party site no longer complies with this policy.
  • Access to the information has become difficult due to non-standard formatting, lengthy download times, or intrusive advertising;
  • The link is permanently unreachable or remains unavailable for a lengthy period; and
  • The external website fails to comply with the written linking agreement, if any.

 

State Agency Link and Privacy Policy

Agencies, including TMB, are required to post a link to the Department of Information Resource’s (DIR) State Website Linking and Privacy Policy.

The purpose of the Telework Plan is to outline TMB's policies and procedures related to teleworking in accordance with House Bill 5196 (89th R.S.) and Texas Government Code, Sections 658.011 and 648.012.