HCOM Professional Community Policies
Thank you for being part of HCOM, where patients, professionals, and organizations come together. The content you contribute should add to the HCOM community in a constructive manner. Together we can make our community a place where everyone is able to learn, grow, and connect, which, in turn, helps create better health outcomes for everyone.
Be Safe
Only bring safe conversations to HCOM. We're committed to creating a community where all members feel safe, respected, and protected.
Be Trustworthy
We require you to use your true identity on HCOM, provide accurate information, and only share information that is real and authentic.
Be Professional
We allow broad conversations about health and wellness, but require professional expression. Treat each other with respect and civility.
Be Safe
Do not post harassing content
We don’t allow bullying or harassment. This includes targeted personal attacks, intimidation, shaming, disparagement, and abusive language directed at other members. Do not reveal others' personal or sensitive health information (doxing).
Do not threaten, incite, or promote violence
We don’t allow threatening or inciting violence of any kind. We don’t allow individuals or groups that engage in or promote violence, property damage, or organized criminal activity.
Do not share material depicting the exploitation of children
We have zero tolerance for content that depicts the sexual exploitation of children. We report all apparent child exploitation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Do not promote or sell illegal or dangerous goods
Do not use HCOM to promote or sell regulated products like firearms, alcohol, or tobacco, or illegal/dangerous substances. The sale of non-medical or pharmaceutical drugs is strictly prohibited.
Be Trustworthy
Do not share false or misleading content
Do not share content that is false or misleading, especially medical misinformation that directly contradicts guidance from leading global health organizations. Do not share content to interfere with or improperly influence a civic process.
Do not create a fake profile or falsify information about yourself
We don’t allow fake profiles. Do not post misleading information about your qualifications, work experience, or affiliations. Do not use an image of someone else for your profile photo.
Do not scam, defraud, or deceive others
Do not use HCOM to facilitate romance scams, promote pyramid schemes, or otherwise defraud members. Phishing attempts and sharing malicious software are not tolerated.
Be Professional
Do not be hateful
We don't allow content that attacks, denigrates, or incites hatred or violence against individuals or groups based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or health status.
Do not engage in unwanted advances
We don't allow unwanted expressions of attraction, requests for romantic relationships, or sexual advances. HCOM is a professional and supportive network, not a dating site.
Do not share harmful or shocking material
We don't allow content that is excessively gruesome, sadistic, or gratuitously graphic. Content depicting or promoting self-harm, eating disorders, or suicide is not allowed, except in a context of recovery and support.
Do not spam members or the platform
We don't allow untargeted, irrelevant, or repetitive messages. Do not use our invitation feature to send promotional messages to people you don't know. Create original, professional, and relevant content.
Tell us if you see abusive content
If you see something you believe may violate our policies, whether in profiles, posts, messages, or comments, please report it to us. Combined with our automated defenses, these reports help us identify and prevent abuse. Please use the reporting tools responsibly and only for their intended purposes.
Violating our community policies can result in action against your account or content
These policies apply to all members. Depending on the severity of violation, we may limit the visibility of certain content, label it, or remove it entirely. Repeated or egregious offenses can result in account restriction. If you believe action taken on your content or your account was in error, you can submit an appeal.
Last updated: August 8, 2024