APTA of Maryland’s

Standards of Conduct for use of Our Communities and Forums

The use of all of APTA of MarylandCommunities and Forums is an exclusive benefit to members of APTA of Maryland. They are designed to facilitate the dissemination of the information and the exchange of ideas regarding the practice of physical therapy between members of APTA of Maryland.

APTA of Maryland Communities and Community Forums

As an APTA of Marylandmember, you may choose to visit or subscribe to general Community Forums, or to one of our Listservs.

Community Forums:

These are open forums that all APTA of Maryland members may access. You must be an APTA of Maryland member to read or post to the Community Forums. Forum topics need to be approved by the web administrator or forum before going live.

Listservs by Topic / Interest:

These forums are for APTA of Maryland members with special interests such as practice, reimbursement or government affairs. You can subscribe or unsubscribe at any time.

Responding to Forum/Listserv Posts

Discussion that is professional and respectful in nature is expected. We welcome debate, and ask that you consider that these are public forums for APTA of Maryland Members. This information shared on any of the forums is for the use of members only. Also, remember that electronic communication can often be misinterpreted without knowing the tone of voice or body language associated with the message.

Posting a Message or Comment on a Forum

1. Your name will automatically appear in the "posted by” line, and it will link to your member profile when it appears on the forum.
2. Place specific information in the title line so members can decide whether or not your message is something they want to read.

Forum Courtesy

1. Messages should reflect content that is of interest to members of APTA of Maryland.
2. Posting of personal messages to an individual should be sent only to that individual and NOT be posted to the entire forum.
3. Refrain from posting responses such as I am in agreement, way to go, etc. It only generates more e-mail for all of the subscribers.
4. Be courteous to fellow forum members. Think carefully before you post a message or response.
5. Spell check your messages.
6. Never share personal information on any of the forums.
7. Avoid monopolizing discussions or over-using any of the forums, it's always a good idea to let others respond as well.

Advertising on Forums is Prohibited

Job announcements, notices of continuing education courses or recruitment events, and product or service advertisements or endorsements are not to be posted on any forum without the express permission of APTA of Maryland. These requests may be sent to Lauri Jacobson, APTA of Maryland Executive Director at aptamd@aptamd.org. APTA of Maryland does offer several opportunities for these types of advertisement. Visit www.aptamd.org/advertising for more information.

Discussion of Wages or Reimbursement Rates is Prohibited

Any discussions regarding salary, benefits and rates is prohibited. The may be considered price fixing, which is considered anti-trust violation.

Opening Attachments

Do not open attachments through the forums unless you are confident they do not contain a virus. It is not safe to assume that either the forum moderator or the service for the website has insured messages are virus free.

Forum Moderators

A representative of APTA of Maryland monitors all postings.

Disclaimer

Posted information is NOT intended to constitute legal or professional advice of APTA of Maryland. APTA OF Maryland does not guarantee the accuracy of the information posted or accuracy of other linked sites. The messages posted to the forums are opinions of the individuals(s) posting the message. Information posted does not constitute an endorsement by APTA of Maryland. APTA of Maryland makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, as to any posted information and assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions contained therein. No one shall be entitled to claim detrimental reliance on any views or information posted on or through the site, or claim any duty on our part to update posted information or to protect the interests of those using this site. In no event shall APTA of Maryland, its employees, contractors, or its board members will be held liable to you or anyone else for any decision or action taken in reliance on such information.

Further Information

Questions, comments, and concerns may be sent to APTA of Maryland at aptamd@aptamd.org.

Updated 12/29/09 APTA OF MARYLAND