Table of Contents

1. SDMS Websites: Terms of Use
2. SDMS Websites: Privacy Policy
3. SDMS Board Policy: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
4. Membership Auto-Renewal
5. European Union:​ General Data Protection Regulation
6. SDMS Code of Conduct: SDMS Collaborate Rules & Etiquette Guidelines
7. Digital Millennium Copyright Act Compliance
8. External Sites

​NOTE: The SDMS CODE OF CONDUCT applies to the use of all websites operated by the SDMS or affiliated entities and any online services or content provided by or affiliated with the SDMS (including those provided through hosting and service providers).

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SDMS WEBSITES: TERMS OF USE

Effective June 1​9, 2017

Please read the following carefully as it governs your use of the SDMS and SDMS Foundation websites operated by the SDMS, a Washington Nonprofit Corporation, and any other online services or content provided by or affiliated with the SDMS (including those provided through hosting and service providers). This includes, but not limited to: www.sdms.org, learn.sdms.org, cme.sdms.org, collaborate.sdms.org, www.sdmsfoundation.org. If you do not agree to all the Terms of Use, then you may not access the websites or any other online services or content by or affiliated with the SDMS. The SDMS' acceptance is expressly conditioned upon your assent to all of these Terms of Use, to the exclusion of all other terms; if these Terms of Use are considered an offer by the SDMS, acceptance is expressly limited to these terms. By using an SDMS website or online service or content, the User expressly agrees and consents to the following Terms of Use:

1. SCOPE OF AGREEMENT. These Terms of Use apply to any User who accesses the SDMS websites and applies to all content and services made available through the SDMS websites or services, including but not limited to the SDMS CME Tracker.

2. LIMITED LICENSE GRANTED. The SDMS grants Users with a non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the SDMS websites strictly in accordance with this Agreement and solely for personal, non-commercial purposes.

3. USER OBLIGATIONS. Your license for access and use of the resources on the SDMS websites is subject to the following User obligations.  You agree to:

3.1      When setting up an account or initiating a financial transaction on the SDMS websites, provide true, accurate, current, and complete information. 

4. USER RESTRICTIONS AND PROHIBITIONS. Your license for access and use of the SDMS websites is subject to the following restrictions and prohibitions on use.  You agree NOT to:

4.1.     Provide false, inaccurate, or misleading information on the SDMS websites.  

4.2      Sign in as another person or edit, modify, or delete any profile information or other records saved by any other person.

4.3      Attempt to violate or circumvent the security of the SDMS websites or any SDMS system or to access data not intended for your use. 

4.4      Share any SDMS website login username and password with others or allow others access resources intended for the authorized User. The User is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their login username and password and are responsible for all uses of their account, whether or not authorized by the User. 

4.7      Copy, print (except for the express limited purposes permitted), modify, adapt, translate, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, republish, display, distribute, transmit, sell, license, rent, lease, loan, or otherwise make available in any form or by any means all or any portion of the SDMS websites, except with prior written permission from the SDMS.

4.8      Use the SDMS website as a component of any information, storage and retrieval system, database, information base, or similar resource (in any media now existing or hereafter developed), that is offered for commercial distribution of any kind, including through sale, license, lease, rental, subscription, or any other commercial distribution mechanism. This includes images, videos, or other files in the SDMS Image Library, except as authorized and licensed under Common Commons.

5. PROPRIETARY RIGHTS. The SDMS websites and all right, title, and interest in the SDMS websites are the sole property of the SDMS and protected by U.S. copyright and international treaties. The SDMS reserves all other rights, titles, and interests. The "look" and "feel" (including color combinations, button shapes, layout, design, and all other graphical elements) of the SDMS websites are protected by SDMS' trademarks, service marks, or copyrights. All other product and service marks contained on the SDMS website are the trademarks of their respective owners. The User agrees that the SDMS website contains proprietary and confidential information that is protected by applicable intellectual property and other laws.

6. LIABILITY FOR VIOLATIONS OF TERMS OF USE. A User's violation of the Terms of Use may result in civil or criminal liability. The SDMS will investigate occurrences relating to such violations and may involve and cooperate with law enforcement authorities in prosecuting users involved in such violations. If the SDMS determines a User misled the SDMS or violated the Terms of Use, we reserve the right to terminate this Agreement and restrict or prevent the User's use of the SDMS websites. It is the user's responsibility to ensure that the User's use of the SDMS websites complies with these Terms of Use and all applicable laws. The SDMS may also report a User's violation of the Terms of Use to an employer or certification, credentialing, or accreditation organization, at its sole discretion.

7. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The SDMS has made every effort to ensure the SDMS website works as designed, however, the SDMS makes no representations or warranties with respect to SDMS website which is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis.  The SDMS disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including without limitation the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The SDMS assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, deletion, incorrect delivery, or failure to store any information associated with the SDMS websites or membership or customer records.

8. LIABILITY DISCLAIMER. YOU EXPRESSLY UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT THE SDMS, ITS AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS OR ENTITIES, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, PARTNERS, AND LICENSORS OR ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CREATION, PRODUCTION, OR DELIVERY OF THE SDMS WEBSITE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU OR ANY THIRD-PARTY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, GOODWILL, USE, OR DATA RESULTING FROM: (I) THE USE OR THE INABILITY TO USE THE SDMS WEBSITE; (II) UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO OR ALTERATION OF YOUR TRANSMISSIONS OR DATA; OR (III) ANY OTHER MATTER RELATING TO THE SDMS WEBSITES.

9. GENERAL TERMS.

9.1 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. These Terms of Use constitute the entire agreement between the User and the SDMS and govern the User's use of the SDMS websites, superseding any prior agreements between User and the SDMS with respect to the SDMS websites.

9.2 USER REMEDIES. You acknowledge that, except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement, you have no rights with respect to any dissatisfaction with any modification or discontinuation of service made by the SDMS or any policies or practices in providing an SDMS website, including without limitation, any change in content or functionality. In no event shall the User seek or be entitled to rescission, injunctive, or other equitable relief, or to enjoin or restrain the operation of the SDMS 's services or any content or other material used or displayed through the SDMS websites.

9.3 CHOICE OF LAW AND FORUM. The Terms of Use and the relationship between the User and the SDMS shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas without regard to its conflict of law provisions. The User and the SDMS agree to submit to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located within Collin County, Plano, Texas.

9.4 WAIVER AND SEVERABILITY OF TERMS. The failure of the SDMS to exercise or enforce any right or provision of the Terms of Use shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. If any provision of the Terms of Use is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the parties nevertheless agree that the court should endeavor to give effect to the parties' intentions as reflected in the provision, and the other provisions of the Terms of Use remain in full force and effect.

9.5 STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS. You agree that regardless of any statute or law to the contrary, any claim or cause of action arising out of or related to use of the SDMS website or the Terms of Use must be filed within one (1) year after such claim or cause of action arose or be forever barred.

9.6 AMENDMENT. The SDMS reserves the right to update or amend these Terms of Use at any time without notice by posting updated Terms of Use to the SDMS websites.

9.7 TERM AND TERMINATION. This Agreement is effective until terminated. The SDMS, at its sole discretion, may terminate your access to or use of the SDMS websites, at any time and for any reason. Such termination, including deactivation or deletion of your account or profile, and all related information associated with it may occur without prior notice. The SDMS shall not be liable to you or any third party for any termination of your access to the SDMS websites. Sections 5 - 9 shall survive termination of this Agreement.

9.8 NOTICE. For purposes of service messages and notices about the services to registered Users of the SDMS websites, notice shall consist of an email from the SDMS to the email address in User's SDMS member or customer profile(s), regardless of any other information we may have. The SDMS also may, at its option, communicate with a User through other means including email, mobile number, telephone, or delivery services including the US Postal Service about your account or services associated with the SDMS websites. The SDMS shall have no liability associated with or arising from your failure to maintain accurate contact or other information, including, but not limited to, liability for failure to receive important information about the SDMS websites.

9.10 SECTION TITLES. The section titles in the Terms of Use are for convenience only and have no legal or contractual effect.

9.11. PRIVACY INFORMATION. The SDMS recognizes the importance of protecting the information that we collect from Users during their use of the SDMS websites. The information collected is used for providing and improving our services. This includes operating the services, maintaining, and improving the performance of the services, including developing new features, research, and providing customer support. Refer to the Privacy Policy for more information. Examples of such uses include the following.

• Providing the Services. The SDMS may use data to complete the User's transactions with the SDMS and to provide our services to the User. This includes information in our member or customer profile and the SDMS CME Tracker. The SDMS websites' services may also include personalized features and recommendations that enhance or tailors the website experience based on the User's activities, interests, and location.
• Service Improvement. The SDMS uses data to continually improve our services, including adding new features or capabilities, such as using search queries to improve the relevancy of the search results.
• Security, Safety, and Dispute Resolution. The SDMS uses data to protect the security and safety of our services and our customers, to detect and prevent fraud, and to resolve disputes and enforce our agreements. The SDMS systematically scans content in an automated manner to identify suspected spam, viruses, abusive actions, or URLs that have been flagged as fraud, phishing, or malware links. The SDMS may block delivery of a communication or remove content if it violates our terms.
• Business Operations. The SDMS uses data to develop aggregate analysis and business intelligence that enable the SDMS to operate, make informed decisions, and report on the performance of the services.

10.0. SDMS CONTACT. If a User has questions about any of the provisions described above, please contact the SDMS via the Contact Us link on this website.

 

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SDMS WEBSITES: PRIVACY POLICY

Effective June 1​9, 2017

1. PURPOSE. This website is provided as a service to the members of the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) and other authorized customers. The Privacy Policy applies to all websites associated with the SDMS or its affiliated entities, including hosting and service providers.

2. INTRODUCTION. The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography's (SDMS) mission is to promote, advance, and educate its members and the medical community in the science of diagnostic medical sonography. The SDMS accomplishes this by connecting the world's sonographers and other healthcare professionals to allow them to be more productive and successful. Central to this mission is our commitment to be transparent with our members and other customers about the data we collect about and how it is used and shared.

3. CONSENT. By using an SDMS website or other services provided by the SDMS, you consent to the SDMS' use of the data under this Privacy Policy. Any personal information provided to the SDMS or its affiliated entities, including but not limited to name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address will not be released, sold, or rented to other entities or persons outside of the SDMS, except as noted below.

4. CHANGE. The SDMS may modify this Privacy Policy, at its sole discretion. Your continued use of our services after we publish or send a notice about our changes to this Privacy Policy means that you are consenting to the updated Privacy Policy.

5. MEMBER/CUSTOMER PROFILE. An SDMS member or customer ("member/customer") can manage their communications preferences in the Profile area of the SDMS website account. Profile information helps the member/customer get more from the SDMS services, including finding CME course and informational topics. The member/customer controls choices about the information visible in their Profile, such as education, work experience, skills, photo, city or area, etc. A member can also choose to opt-in/opt-out the SDMS Member Directory. It is the member/customer's choice whether to include sensitive information in their Profile. Additional preferences may be found in the websites of affiliated entities (e.g., JDMS, SDMS Collaborate, Job Board, Learning, etc.).

The SDMS may collect personal data from a member/customer when they provide, post, or upload data to the SDMS websites or other services, such as when filling out a form, responding to a survey, etc. Please do not post or add personal data to the member/customer profile or the SDMS Collaborate communities that you would not want to be publicly available.

6. SHARING OF PERSONAL INFORMATION COLLECTED THROUGH AN SDMS WEBSITE OR SERVICE.

6.1 INTERNAL USE. The SDMS may use personal information to perform, provide, or enhance services to our members or customers.

6.2 SDMS SERVICE PROVIDERS. The SDMS may share personal information with companies that perform or provide services on behalf of the SDMS, e.g., companies that process credit card payments, professional liability insurance company, journal publisher, etc. The SDMS' service providers are required by contract to protect the confidentiality of the personal information the SDMS or the User shares with them and to use it only to provide specific services on the SDMS' behalf.

6.3 GOVERNMENT AND LEGAL DISCLOSURES. The SDMS may disclose the personal information collected through the SDMS websites or services, when the SDMS, in good faith, believes disclosure is appropriate to comply with the law (or a court order or subpoena); to prevent or investigate a possible crime, such as fraud or identity theft; to enforce our Terms of Use, or other agreements that govern the use of the SDMS website and other services affiliated with the SDMS; or to protect the rights, property, or safety of the SDMS and affiliated entities, the SSDMS' members and customers, or others.

6.4 BUSINESS TRANSFERS. Personal information may be transferred to another entity (either an affiliated entity or an unrelated third party) in connection with a merger, reorganization, dissolution, or similar corporate event. If such a transfer were ever to occur, the acquiring entity's use of the personal information would still be subject to this Privacy Policy.

7. COOKIES.

7.1 PURPOSE OF COOKIES. A "cookie" is a small data text file that is placed in a User' browser and allows us to recognize the User each time they visit this site (e.g., to deliver personalized content, etc.). Cookies themselves do not contain any personal information, and we do not use cookies to collect personal information. Cookies may also be used by 3rd party content providers such as newsfeeds or for data analytics. Unless cookies are cleared from the User's browser, the SDMS may use this information to:

a. Provide more relevant advertising;

b. Provide aggregate reports of advertisements activity to advertisers;

c. Help the SDMS understand how visitors engage with our websites or apps, which can lead to improvements and enhancements; and

d. Detect and defend against fraud and other risks to protect SDMS members, customers, and affiliated entities.

7.2 KINDS OF COOKIES THE SDMS USES. The SDMS uses two types: persistent cookies and session cookies. A persistent cookie helps the SDMS recognize an existing User, so it's easier to return to the SDMS or interact with SDMS' services without signing in again. After sign in, a persistent cookie stays in the User's browser and will be read by the SDMS websites when the User returns. Session cookies only last for as long as the session (usually the current visit to a website or a browser session, e.g. 20 minutes). The cookies used by the SDMS or affiliated entity services generally fall into the following categories:

a. Authentication. If signed into SDMS, cookies help us show the right information and personalize the User's experience.

b. Security. We use cookies to enable and support our security features and to help us detect malicious activity and violations of the SDMS websites Terms of Use

c. Advertising. We may use cookies to show Users relevant advertising on the SDMS website; and

d. Performance, Analytics, and Research Cookies. Cookies help us learn how well our website perform in different locations. We also use cookies to understand, improve, and research products, features, and services, including when the User accesses an SDMS website from other websites, applications, or devices such as work computer or mobile device.

7.3 WHAT TO DO IF THE USER DOES NOT WANT COOKIES TO BE SET OR WANTS THEM TO BE REMOVED. If the User doesn't want to use cookies when visiting the SDMS or affiliated website, the User can change their browser's cookie settings. Most browsers also provide functionality that lets the User review and erase cookies, including the SDMS cookies. However, please note that the SDMS and affiliated websites may not work properly without cookies enabled. To find out more about cookies, including how to see what cookies have been set and how to manage and delete them, visit: wikipedia.org, www.allaboutcookies.org or www.aboutcookies.org.

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SDMS Board Policy: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

The SDMS is committed to promoting and implementing ongoing improvements to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the diagnostic medical sonography profession and in its membership, leadership, volunteers, and staff. The SDMS Board of Directors recognizes the success of the SDMS’ mission depends on members, leaders, volunteers, and staff who provide diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, perspectives, and opinions, without regard to the characteristics outlined below.

There shall be no barriers to full participation in the SDMS based on race, ethnicity, skin color, national origin, citizenship, language, ancestry, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, mental or physical (dis)ability, religion or religious commitment, marital status, medical condition or status, pregnancy status, socioeconomic status, veteran status, political perspective, geographic location, or any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

In addition, the SDMS supports and encourages its members, the sonography profession, and the medical community to support efforts to:

• Improve patient care by reducing health disparities; and
• Ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion in sonography educational, employment, and career and professional development opportunities.

Adopted by the SDMS Board of Directors, December 2, 2020.

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Note: This policy shall apply to all SDMS policies, procedures, programs, and services regardless of whether explicitly referenced. This policy also applies to all SDMS volunteers and staff. The SDMS Foundation Board of Directors has adopted a similar DEI policy.

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Membership Auto-Renewal

Effective ​July 10, 2018

By checking the auto-renewal box, you authorize the SDMS to automatically renew ​your SDMS membership using the credit card information ​you provide for this purpose and at the dues rate in effect at the time of the renewal. Furthermore, you understand that:

1. The SDMS will send a reminder email to the email address you have provided in My Profile prior to any auto-renewal credit card charge being processed.

2. An auto-renewal may be processed up to 60 days before ​your current SDMS membership expiration date and a successfully processed auto-renewal will extend the expiration date according to the membership term.

3. It is your responsibility to maintain a current email address and credit card information in My Profile.

4. You can cancel the auto-renewal at any time prior to the SDMS processing the credit card charge and can make changes at any time to My Profile online or by calling the SDMS office (800-229-9506 or 214-473-8057).

5. Once an auto-renewal credit card charge has been processed, the SDMS membership dues cannot be refunded, and you agree not to dispute or challenge the charge.

6. You waive any and all rights to class action litigation or arbitration (if any rights exist) and agree to individual arbitration (if applicable) in Collin County, Texas for any dispute arising from the auto-renewal of your SDMS membership. 

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European Union: General Data Protection Regulations

Effective ​May ​25, 2018

The European Union's (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a regulation on data protection and privacy for all individuals within the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA). It addresses the export of personal data outside the EU and EEA and provides control to EU/EEA citizens and residents over their personal data and is intended to simplify the regulatory environment for international business by unifying the regulation within the EU.

Rights Under GDPR

Those ​covered by the EU's GDPR may include individual users of the SDMS websites, members, purchasers of products, participants in continuing medical education (CME) activities, etc. Generally, individuals covered by GDPR have the right to:

1. Ask what personal data we hold about you at any time and access that personal data;
2. Object to certain uses of your personal data;
3. ​Update and correct any out-of-date or incorrect personal data that we hold about you free of charge;
4. Have your personal data deleted (i.e., "right to be forgotten");
5. Demand restriction of processing of your personal data;
6. Data portability; and
7. Revoke consent for uses of your personal data to which you previously consented.

However, certain contractual or transactional data obtained or used by the SDMS may be impacted  differently under GDPR. This data includes, but is not limited to: credit card transactions, membership joins/renewals, participation in CME activities, reporting of CME activity participation to applicable certification/credentialing organizations (i.e., SDMS CME Tracker), etc.

View Personal Data

An individual user of the SDMS websites can manage​ their ​own personal data and communications preferences:

• SDMS Website: My Profile
• SDMS Collaborate: My Profile

Depending on the SDMS website, a ​User can opt-in or opt-out of specific types of communications. Please note that ​a User cannot "opt out" of some contractual or transactional communications (e.g., credit card transaction receipts, membership renewal notices, CME completion certificate notifications, conference exhibitor/sponsor agreement, etc.).

Over​view of How the SDMS Processes Personal Data

The SDMS collects and uses personal data provided by an ​individual to provide requested services (e.g., membership, journal, CME activities, etc.) or transactions (e.g., sale of merchandise, conference registration, etc.). The SDMS may use the information provided by an individual, as well as data from past transactions (membership, purchases, conference registrations, etc.), actions/responses to email messages, certifications held, etc. to personalize or customize future content delivery or marketing to the individual. For example, ​an individual who is practicing/certified only cardiac sonography may be sent an email or physical mail piece highlighting only our cardiac sonography-related CME opportunities to reduce costs (e.g., for printing and mailing).

The SDMS may receive personal information about individuals from other entities including other sonography-related non-profit, certification/credentialing, or accreditation organizations, etc. to allow the SDMS to provide information that may be of interest to these sonography or medical imaging professionals. Such data is typically subject to contractual limitations on use (e.g., number of uses, pre-approval of materials to be sent, deletion of data upon completion of use, etc.).

The SDMS may receive personal information related to participants in SDMS-approved CME activities from its approved SDMS CME providers. The information is required to be ​reported by the CME providers and is used to provide the participants with access to their electronic CME credit certificate, provide information about other CME opportunities, ​and to report the CME credits earned to a certification/credentialing organization.

The SDMS may use internal ​or external software/services for security scans and audits to help ensure that SDMS services and transactions are handled securely. The SDMS ​fully complies with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), a set of security standards designed to ensure that companies that accept, process, store or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment.

The SDMS may provide an individual's personal information to other companies who have been selected by the SDMS to provide products or services to SDMS members or customers (e.g., Sage Publishing prints, mails, and provides online access to the Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JDMS) on our behalf). Any company ​to whom the SDMS provides an individual's personal information is contractually obligated to maintain the information in compliance with all applicable data protection and privacy laws or regulations, including the EU's GDPR.

The SDMS does not sell or rent our mailing list or email addresses. The SDMS may share SDMS Annual Conference attendee personal information with exhibitors only if authorized by the attendee.

Within the SDMS Collaborate communities, ​individuals may communicate with others both publicly (e.g., post a question, respond to a post, etc.) and via a private message to another individual.​ Only the information the individual has authorized will appear. However, when utilizing the private message feature, the sender's email address may be revealed to the recipient.

Request to Obtain a Copy of Personal Data

In addition to the "self-service" access to personal data listed above, an individual  who ​is impacted by GDPR may submit a GDPR request to obtain a copy of personal data held by the SDMS using this form.

NOTE: The SDMS may require the individual to verify their identity before processing the request. Such requests will be completed within 30 days of receipt.

Request Erasure of Data ("Right to be Forgotten")

Upon request, an individual covered by GDPR may request that the SDMS erase data (i.e., "forget") related to the individual. An individual who ​is impacted by GDPR may submit a GDPR request to erase personal data held by the SDMS using this form.

WARNING: ​It is important to understand that any request for "erasure of data" is irrevocable and the data is non-recoverable. While ​​many past transactions, CME records, purchase records, etc. must be retained for other legal reasons, ​the data will be "anonymized" and cannot be re-associated with ​the individual in the future.

NOTE: The SDMS may require the individual to verify their identity before processing the request. Such requests will be completed within 30 days of receipt.

How We Secure and Protection Your ​Personal Data 

​The SDMS is committed to data security. We protect personal data through integrated physical, technological, and administrative safeguards. Personal data is protected by security safeguards appropriate to the level of sensitivity of the data through: (i) physical measures, such as secure areas; (ii) technical measures, such as encryption and secure servers; and (iii) organizational measures such as access policies based on the need-to-know and employee security through vetting and supervision.

Data Breach Notification

Under GDPR, the SDMS must report any data breaches within 72 hours if the ​data breach ha​s an adverse effect on user privacy. At a minimum, a notification of a data breach impacting an individual covered by GDPR will be sent by email to the primary email address on file with the SDMS.

​NOTE: Individuals not covered by GDPR may be subject to different breach notification requirements ​based on their state or country of residence.

Data Protection Officer (DPO)

The SDMS has designated a ​Data ​Protection Officer (DPO), who is responsible for managing compliance with the GDPR. The DPO is the primary contact for all inquiries or requests relating to the GDPR compliance and the SDMS' use of personal information. 

​Mary Rodriguez, CAE
Chief Executive Officer
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS)
2745 Dallas Pkwy Ste 350
Plano, TX 75093

Individuals who are impacted by GDPR may submit a GDPR-related request or inquiry using this form. 

 

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SDMS COLLABORATE RULES & ETIQUETTE GUIDELINES

Effective June 1​9, 2017

Welcome to the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography's (SDMS) Collaborate communities. This is primarily an educational tool where each participant ("User") can solicit the advice of peers, benefit from their experience, and participate in an ongoing conversation. To ensure the best possible experience for every User, the SDMS has established some basic rules and etiquette guidelines for participation. In addition, the SDMS Terms of Use and Privacy Policy are incorporated by reference into these rules and etiquette guidelines and apply to each User of the SDMS Collaborate communities and any content incorporated into SDMS Collaborate (as well as all other SDMS websites). The SDMS is not responsible for the opinions and information posted on this site by others.

By using SDMS Collaborate, the User agrees and affirms that they have read and will follow these rules and etiquette guidelines. Questions about SDMS Collaborate may be directed to the SDMS Membership Department via the Contact Us link on this website.

Please take a moment to become acquainted with these important rules and etiquette guidelines. To preserve an environment that encourages both civil and fruitful dialogue, the SDMS reserves, at its sole discretion, the right to suspend or terminate access to the SDMS Collaborate content for anyone who violates these rules. Violations of these rules could also result in termination of a person's or organization's SDMS membership.

 

SDMS Collaborate Rules

1. NO MODERATORS. While volunteers, Board members, or staff may post and encourage discussion on relevant topics, the SDMS Collaborate communities are not considered moderated (i.e., messages are not reviewed before being available to other Users). Each User is expected to use sound judgment and always exhibit professionalism when using SDMS Collaborate. If a User believes a posting is inappropriate or violates the Code of Conduct or these rules, contact the SDMS via the Contact Us link on this website.

2. MEDICAL INFORMATION. The SDMS Collaborate communities are intended for medical professionals (or students). The medical information and images may not be suitable for children or other users outside of medical professions.

3. LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE. No legal or medical advice is provided on SDMS Collaborate. Information related to legal or medical issues may be shared based on a person's opinion, knowledge, or experience, but shall not be considered a diagnosis or legal opinion. All Users should consider obtaining legal counsel or medical advice prior to relying on any posted information.

4. RESPECT OTHERS. Focus on the content of posts and not on the people making them. Please extend the benefit of the doubt to newer guests and members; there's no such thing as a stupid question.

5. RESPECT THE PURPOSE OF THE COMMUNITY. Use the communities to share successes, challenges, constructive feedback, questions, and goals rather than products or services the User provides. 

Employers: Do not post ​employment/job openings in SDMS Collaborate.
Job Seekers: Do not post messages seeking employment in  SDMS Collaborate.
Please use the SDMS Job Board. 

6. USE CAUTION WHEN DISCUSSING PERSONS, ENTITIES, PRODUCTS, OR SERVICES. Information posted on SDMS Collaborate is available for all to see, and all comments may be subject to the United States or international libel, slander, and antitrust laws.

7. PROHIBITED CONTENT. All material that, in the sole judgement of the SDMS, that is abusive, defamatory, harassing, inappropriate, invasion of privacy, obscene, offensive, profane, threatening, or illegal or promotes discrimination based on race, ethnicity, skin color, national origin, citizenship, language, ancestry, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, mental or physical (dis)ability, religion or religious commitment, marital status, medical condition or status, pregnancy status, socioeconomic status, veteran status, political perspective, geographic location, or any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law is strictly prohibited. A User should not post anything they would not want the world to see or that they would not want anyone to know came from them. Posting prohibited content may result in the termination of the User's access one or more of the SDMS websites, termination of SDMS membership (in accordance with SDMS Bylaws and Board policies), or civil or criminal action.

8. ANTITRUST COMPLIANCE. Content should not be posted if it encourages or facilitates any agreement that either expressly or impliedly leads to price fixing, a boycott of another's business, or other conduct intended to illegally restrict free trade. Content that encourages or facilitates an agreement about the following subjects are inappropriate: salaries; prices, discounts, or terms or conditions of sale; profits, profit margins, or cost data; market shares, sales territories, or markets; allocation of customers or territories; or selection, rejection, or termination of a customer or supplier.

9. RESPECT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. A User may only post content that they have personally created or have permission to use and have properly attributed to the content creator. While posting a small excerpt for educational purposes from a copyrighted work (with proper attribution) is generally permitted, whenever possible, the User should post a link to external online information rather than copying and posting it on SDMS Collaborate.

10. RESTRICTIONS ON USE. When posting items in our collaborative environment, please indicate if the item is not available for reuse. It is also advisable to contact the owner of any material if the User would like to reuse it.

11. APPROPRIATENESS OF CONTENT. Post messages or documents only to the most appropriate communities on SDMS Collaborate. This helps ensure all messages receive the best response by eliminating "noise." The SDMS explicitly reserves the right to move, remove, or edit any material, at its sole discretion.

12. USER-PROVIDED CONTENT. By posting or contributing content to an SDMS website, including but not limited to the SDMS Image Library, the User is granting the SDMS a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, and worldwide license to use the posted content in connection with the operation of the SDMS and its websites, including, without limitation, the license rights to copy, distribute, transmit, publicly display, publicly perform, reproduce, edit, translate and reformat the content, and/or to incorporate it into a collective work. All other commercial use requires the prior written permission of the copyright holder. Note that some content may be subject to a Creative Commons license (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/).

13. SDMS IMAGE LIBRARY. Images, videos, and other files ("files”) posted in the SDMS Image Library or other libraries may be copyrighted, but submission provides a non-exclusive right to our community Users to display, copy, publish, distribute, transmit, print, and use for non-commercial, educational purposes only.

14. USE OF SDMS IMAGE LIBRARY OR OTHER FILES:Images, videos, and other files ("files") posted in the SDMS Image Library, other libraries, or Communities may be copyrighted, but submission provides a non-exclusive right to our community Users to display, copy, publish, distribute, transmit, print, and use for non-commercial, educational purposes only. By uploading a file, the User is providing the SDMS and its affiliated entities with a worldwide, non-exclusive right to display, copy, publish, distribute, transmit, print, and use the file, including any commercial use, at its sole discretion.

15. COMPUTER/DEVICE SECURITY: Users should ensure they are accessing the SDMS Collaborate communities or any other SDMS-related websites, services, servers, computers, or data only using a computer or other device with an up-to-date operating system, web browser, and antivirus/malware detection software. The SDMS explicitly reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to limit or block access to the communities or any other SDMS-related websites, services, servers, computers, or data if it deems it necessary to protect the SDMS, its members and customers, its equipment, or its public, confidential, or proprietary information.

16. SECURITY OF UPLOADED/DOWNLOADED FILES: By uploading any file to the SDMS Collaborate communities and the SDMS Image Library, the User affirms that each file submitted has been scanned to ensure the file is not infected with a virus or malware and does not contain macros or scripts. While the hosting service for SDMS Collaborate scans uploaded files with anti-virus/malware scanning software, the SDMS or their officers, directors, agents, employees, volunteers, or any third party working on behalf of the SDMS shall not be liable for any harm that may result from the use of any file uploaded to or downloaded from the SDMS Collaborate communities or SDMS Image Library. If a User believes a file downloaded from SDMS Collaborate might be infected, the User should contact the SDMS Information Technology Department via the Contact Us link on this website as soon as possible.

17. ACCESSING DATA BELONGING TO OTHER USERS, THE SDMS, OR OTHER AFFILIATED ENTITIES: No User may impersonate another user nor access data, information, or software belonging to other Users, the SDMS or its affiliated entities, including vendors or service providers (e.g., website hosting company). The use of any software, tool, or device to access, hack, or de-compile any service or information provided by the SDMS is prohibited and the responsible party may be subject to civil or criminal penalties.

18. REMOVAL OF USER-PROVIDED CONTENT. The SDMS retains the right to remove any User-provided content including, but not limited to: text, images, or other files. The SDMS may withdraw its permission for use of text, images, or other files at any time, at its sole discretion. The SDMS also retains the right to prohibit a User from posting user-provided content, at its sole discretion.

SDMS Collaborate Etiquette

1. BE CONCISE: State concisely and clearly the topic of your comments in the subject line. This allows members to respond more appropriately to your posting and makes it easier for members to search the archives by subject.

2. AVOID "REPLY TO ALL" MESSAGES: Send messages such as "thanks for the information" or "me, too" to the applicable person, not to the entire list. Do this by using the "Reply to Sender" link in each message.

3. ADMINISTRATIVE MESSAGES: Do not send administrative messages, such as "remove me from the list,” to the group. Instead, use the web interface to change your settings or to remove yourself from a list. If you are changing email addresses, you do not need to remove yourself from the list and rejoin under your new email address – simply change your profile settings.

 

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Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DCMA) Compliance

Effective June 1​9, 2017

The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) is a service provider as it relates to content posted on an SDMS website by its members or customers. If a person believes that information posted on an SDMS website is in violation of the United States or international copyright laws or treaties, the person must:

1. Provide a physical or electronic signature of a person authorized to act on behalf of the owner of the infringed copyright;
2. Identify the copyrighted work or works claimed to have been infringed;
3. Identify the material that is claimed to be infringing or to be the subject of infringing activity and request that the material be removed;
4. Provide information reasonably sufficient to permit the SDMS to contact the complaining party and copyright holder (e.g., the address, telephone number, or email address);
5. Provide a statement that the complaining party has a good-faith belief that use of the material is not authorized by the copyright  owner; and
6. Provide a statement that information in the complaint is accurate and that the complaining party is authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner.

Designated Copyright Agent to receive DCMA takedown notices:

​Mary Rodriguez, CAE
Chief Executive Officer
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS)
2745 Dallas Pkwy Ste 350
Plano, TX 75093

SDMS Board Policy: Copyright is a legal right that grants the creator of an original work the exclusive rights for its use and distribution. All SDMS volunteers and staff are expected to comply with United States laws and international treaties related to copyright.
    Approved by the SDMS Board of Directors, 02/08/2017.

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EXTERNAL SITES

The SDMS is not responsible for the content of external websites. External website links are provided as a convenience to Users. Users are advised to use caution when accessing and to read the privacy policy of all external websites before disclosing any personal information on external websites. Please report broken links or any concerns about external website links to the SDMS Information Technology Department via the Contact Us link on this website.