Disclaimer

The TMA is not responsible for material posted by any member, staff facilitator, or community leader and does not warrant nor guarantee the content, accuracy, or use of the content in the communities. TMA specifically disclaims all liability for claims or damages that may result from any posting by members. TMA reserves the right to remove any materials the TMA considers objectionable and that are posted by members on this site or that are e-mailed by members to any other persons.

TMA accepts no responsibility for the opinions and information posted on this community, whether by TMA or any third party. Such opinions do not necessarily reflect the policies of TMA. In no event shall TMA be liable for any special, indirect, or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever resulting from loss of use, data, or profits arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of any information posted on this site.

Welcome to TMA Communities

Thank you for participating in TMA Communities. Communities are launched in response to member suggestions with the goal of offering association members more ways to communicate with each other, share ideas, and access resources.

Some communities are for TMA members only; some are for members and their office staff; and some are "closed" communities to conduct association business [e.g. Board, Councils, Committees].

Each community has 1-2 TMA physician members as community leaders, supported by TMA staff facilitators.

Before you enter into the discussion, please read the user agreement and community etiquette [click here], which help set common expectations for participating in the discussion groups.

Please note that by utilizing the community, you agree to accept and be bound by these guidelines. The Texas Medical Association [TMA] may edit, delete, or screen any postings. TMA Communities are for registered members only.

TMA Community Guidelines

1. Only subscribed users can post messages.
   Messages from subscribed members must be sent from the e-mail address known by the list software, or they cannot be accepted.

2. Your profile is accessible to other community participants.

3. Advertisements/Announcements.
   Do not try to sell or post unsolicited advertising, promotional materials, or other forms of solicitation to the group. TMA Communities do not accept advertisements and/or product announcements from outside publishers, producers of software, or other vendors or commercial entities posted by members.
   
   Announcements of resources or conferences are acceptable as long as they are relevant to the interests of the community membership. Try to keep these brief. Questions and discussion initiated by community members about products or services are appropriate, but please keep in mind the common courtesies described in the Etiquette section. This provides a forum for help and recommendations among colleagues on the list.

4. Copyrighted Material; Hyperlinks.
   Members should not post any information or other material protected by copyright without the permission of the copyright owner.
   
   By posting material, the posting party warrants and represents that it owns the copyright, if any, with respect to such material or has received permission from the copyright owner that covers such posting.
   
   In addition, the posting member grants the TMA and its users of the community the perpetual, non-exclusive right and license to display, copy, publish, distribute, transmit, print, and use such information or other material.
   
   Any hypertext links and any reference to any products, services, or other information by trade name, trademark, supplier, or otherwise do not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by the TMA. The TMA expressly disclaims liability related to the accuracy and content of other sites and use of any products or services referenced in the community or in a linked site. You are strongly encouraged to verify the accuracy and reliability of content of any other sites before posting links to such sites.

5. Compliance with Antitrust Laws.
   The TMA's policy is to comply with all antitrust laws, and the TMA reminds all users to guard against activity that could be construed as a violation of the antitrust laws. Do not post any material that:

    
   • references specific fees charged or paid for professional services.
    
   • discusses prices, discounts, terms or conditions of sale with regard to medical suppliers or other vendors or terms and conditions of provider agreements relating to reimbursement levels, bonus payments, and other price or cost-related items.
    
   • addresses salaries or terms of employment.
    
   • attempts to allocate patient markets or encourage collective or coercive activity with regard to third party payors, hospitals, other health care providers, or suppliers.
    
   • includes information that could otherwise be construed to impose a restraint on trade, inhibit free and fair competition, or organize a boycott.