In order to bolster consumer confidence, Hi-Ethics Inc., a coalition of 18 health-related Web sites, and online privacy seal provider TRUSTe signed an agreement this week to develop an E-Health Seal for health Web sites.
Candidates for the seal must comply with Hi-Ethics' 14 ethics principles, which include detailed criteria for privacy, quality of content, accountability, professionalism and qualifications.
Hi-Ethics members include drkoop.com, HealthCentral.com, InteliHealth, Personal MD, PlanetRx and WebMD.
TRUSTe will evaluate applicants and provide the seal.
The organizations expect the E-Health Seal program evaluation process to begin in the first quarter of 2001.
