TAFP Privacy Policy

The Texas Academy of Family Physicians is committed to protecting the privacy of its members and customers. TAFP maintains safeguards to store and secure information about its members and customers. The safeguards may be physical, electronic, or procedural. This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) describes: (i) how TAFP collects information from its websites and through your other voluntary interactions with TAFP (e.g., subscription to a TAFP publication, communication with TAFP staff, purchase of a TAFP product, application for TAFP membership, registration to a TAFP event, participation in a member survey); and (ii) how TAFP uses this information. With respect to websites, please note that this Policy applies only to TAFP’s websites and not to the websites of unrelated third-party companies or organizations to which TAFP provides links, or to any software that may be downloaded from TAFP’s websites.

By visiting TAFP’s websites (i.e., www.TAFP.org, www.npinstitute.com), becoming a member or customer, or otherwise voluntarily submitting information to TAFP, you agree to this Policy. TAFP reserves the right to make changes to this Policy at any time; in such case, TAFP will post a notice that this Policy has been modified by revising the “last updated” date at the bottom of this page.

What information does TAFP collect?

TAFP collects two types of information: (1) non-personally identifiable information for everyone who visits its websites; and (2) personally identifiable information for members and anyone who purchases or requests products, services, or information.

Non-personally identifiable information

TAFP employs cookies to collect information about all visitors to TAFP websites, including pages viewed and the order visited, terms used in searching TAFP websites, and products investigated or purchased. TAFP uses cookies to offer greater functionality, and the information generated from these cookies is used to help determine which services are most important and to guide editorial and business decisions.

Users who do not desire the functionality offered by cookies may disable cookie functionality in their browsers or through settings on their mobile devices; however, users who do so may not be able to use some features of TAFP websites. For example, a registered user must have cookies enabled to access the registered-user sections of TAFP websites.

For system administration and troubleshooting, TAFP also logs the originating Internet Protocol (IP) address, the browser and operating system used, and information about your individual use, such as time and date of visits, duration of sessions, and other similar usage or system data.

TAFP collects this non-personally identifiable information from users who are browsing the public areas of TAFP websites. TAFP may review this information if a user's account is associated with: (i) attempts to violate the security of TAFP computer networks; (ii) activity that degrades the performance of TAFP websites; or (iii) activity that might be related to copyright or other violations. TAFP may also use this information in conjunction with personally identifiable information (as set forth below under “How does the TAFP use information collected?”).

Personally identifiable information

In addition to the non-personally identifiable items listed above, TAFP records the user’s name and member/customer ID number for all registered users (i.e., users who have logged into a password-protected area of an TAFP website). In the course of using TAFP websites, a user may be asked to provide personally identifiable information (e.g., name, address, zip code, email address, telephone number, fax number, credit card payment information) in order to purchase a product, participate in an TAFP activity, request information, or otherwise interact with TAFP. In addition, users may be asked to update their contact information.

TAFP also collects email addresses provided via membership applications and renewals, website registrations, product purchases, member surveys, downloads of certain materials, email communication sign-ups, and comments made in discussion threads on TAFP websites.

Important note for TAFP members: TAFP also maintains a membership database. The information in this database (e.g., National Provider Identifier [NPI] numbers; demographic information, such as education and specialty) is drawn from membership applications, dues payment forms, subscriptions, product orders, continuing medical education (CME) reporting, public databases, member surveys, and other correspondence between TAFP and its members or local chapters.

Credit card information: TAFP does not disclose the credit card account information or activity of its customers. When members and customers pay using their credit cards, TAFP submits this information encrypted to obtain payment from the appropriate clearing house. If credit card numbers are stored in TAFP databases, they are encrypted.

How does the TAFP use information collected?

TAFP uses the information it collects to better serve members, customers, and visitors to the TAFP websites in the following ways:

TAFP services and products

TAFP uses information collected to improve its web content, to respond to visitor needs and preferences, and to develop new products and services. For example, TAFP will combine non-personally identifiable information (e.g., data stored in cookies, user’s IP address) with personally identifiable information (e.g., user’s name, member/customer ID, email address) to offer products and services that may be of specific interest to the user.

Disclosure to third parties

TAFP may make your contact information and/or other personally identifiable information publicly available in connection with TAFP programs and events or for other purposes, as permitted by you. TAFP also shares membership, demographic, CME, and/or contact information with organizations such as the following: local chapters; TAFP Foundation; TAFP PAC; a member's residency program(s); and the American Board of Family Medicine.

TAFP also may share CME activity participation records with medical licensing boards (which may include CME reporting agents and/or contractors of those boards). Such records may include, but not be limited to the member’s name; the name and date of the CME activity; and the number of credits received for participation in the CME activity. In connection with the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, CME attendees’ names, addresses, license numbers, states of licensure, and any transfers of value may be shared with the CME activities’ funders.

TAFP also may disclose limited personally identifiable information (e.g., name, address, email address, purchase information) to outside service providers that help TAFP offer products, services, and information. For example, TAFP may work with outside service providers to: (i) distribute emails; (ii) assist with direct marketing, customize journal advertisements, and collect data; and (iii) otherwise assist TAFP in enhancing its products, services, and other offerings, and serving its members and customers. TAFP requires that these outside service providers agree to keep confidential all such information and to use it for the purposes designated by TAFP.

Like many other organizations, TAFP may use outside marketing companies to place and monitor advertisements or links on TAFP websites and on other websites. These companies may use non-personally identifiable information (e.g., links clicked on during a visit, browser type, time and date, subject of advertisements clicked on or scrolled over) and personally identifiable information (e.g., email address) during your visits to TAFP websites and other websites to provide advertisements about products and services more likely to be of interest to you. These companies typically use a cookie or a third-party web beacon to collect this information. TAFP is not responsible for the collection or use of information by such marketing companies or third-party websites.

On occasion, TAFP also may provide, either itself or through an outside service provider, personally identifiable information (e.g., name, address, demographic information) to third parties that offer their own CME, products, or services deemed of potential interest to members and/or to the clinical or socioeconomic practice of medicine. These third parties only receive names and addresses; they do not receive phone numbers, fax numbers, or email addresses.

Emails

Once someone voluntarily provides an email address, TAFP assumes it has permission to email that person with questions, transaction follow-up, and advertisements, and to send bulk email messages. TAFP collects data to track the effectiveness of emails, which enables the TAFP to better serve its audiences.

As noted earlier, there are instances in which TAFP will share email addresses of its members and customers with outside service providers who assist TAFP in offering its products and services and who are under an obligation of confidentiality; however, TAFP does not sell or rent the email addresses of its members and customers.

Disclosure required by law or emergency circumstances

TAFP may release personal information to third parties to comply with legal requirements.

External relationships

TAFP has agreements with other organizations that offer products and services through TAFP websites or third-party agreements. When the user interacts with these organizations on the organizations’ websites, whether as a result of following links from a TAFP website, within a TAFP email, or otherwise, different rules and privacy policies may apply. Since TAFP does not control the collection of information or the use of information collected via these other organizations’ websites, TAFP is not responsible for their privacy practices, security, or content.

Opting out

While TAFP hopes that the information in this policy helps you understand how TAFP uses and protects your information to provide you with better service, you may still choose not to receive information from TAFP.

Email opt-out

TAFP’s marketing emails and informational emails include a link for unsubscribing. TAFP will apply your unsubscribe request as quickly as possible. However, because there may be email campaigns already in progress, you may continue to receive emails from TAFP for a few days. TAFP requires up to 10 days to apply your unsubscribe request. After this time, you should no longer receive marketing or informational emails from TAFP. You may still receive emails regarding your transactions (e.g., confirmation that you have placed an order).

Direct mail opt-out

To discontinue receipt of TAFP’s direct mail promotions, please call TAFP at (512) 329-8666. Your request will be processed as quickly as possible. However, due to mailing lead times, it is possible that you may receive a few more mailings from TAFP. After six to eight weeks, you should no longer receive mailings from TAFP.

For questions or concerns about this Policy, please contact tafp@tafp.org.

Last updated: November 11, 2022