Editorial & Fact-Checking Policy

Our Mission and Editorial Commitment

HealthDay is committed to producing accurate, evidence-based and independent health journalism that informs both consumers and health care professionals.

Core Editorial Principles

• Accuracy and Evidence: All content is factually accurate and supported by credible, evidence-based sources.
• Clarity and Accessibility: Content is clear, concise and understandable.
• Independence and Objectivity: Editorial decisions are free from commercial or external influence.
• Fairness and Balance: We avoid sensationalism and present balanced, evidence-based perspectives.
• Responsible Language: We use inclusive, respectful and precise terminology.

Editorial Team and Expertise

HealthDay’s editorial and reporting team includes experienced journalists and certified health care professionals specializing in medical writing and editing, many with advanced degrees.

Our team has received numerous industry honors, including the Pulitzer Prize and awards from the Associated Press Managing Editors.

Medical Review and Advisory Board

Our Medical Advisory Board consists of board-certified physicians across a wide range of specialties. They ensure content:

• Reflects current clinical guidelines and research
• Is medically accurate and complete
• Does not omit critical considerations
• Avoids misleading information

Editors assign content for medical review where appropriate. For breaking news products—including Consumer News Feed and HealthDay TV (English and Spanish)—speed is prioritized, and so articles do not receive medical review, but all content still adheres to strict fact-checking standards.

Fact-Checking Standards

All HealthDay content undergoes a rigorous fact-checking process before publication, including:

• Verification of factual claims
• Validation of sources
• Review for conflicts of interest
• Alignment with current scientific consensus

Sources, References and Attribution

HealthDay content is based on authoritative sources, including:

• Peer-reviewed medical journals
• Government and public health organizations
• Academic institutions
• Independent advocacy organizations
• First-hand reporting and interviews

Sources are cited within articles and listed at the end, with links provided where possible.

Handling of Scientific Research

We evaluate scientific studies by considering methodology, limitations and significance, and we clearly distinguish correlation from causation.

AI and Editorial Integrity

In the process of creating evidence-based, accurate reporting, HealthDay may use AI in the process of story creation. However, all content will undergo thorough editing, fact-checking and, as appropriate, medical review before publication to confirm that it adheres to our editorial standards and principles.

Ethical Standards

• No fabrication, plagiarism or misrepresentation
• Avoidance and disclosure of conflicts of interest
• Commitment to transparency and accountability

Editorial Independence and Commercial Transparency

• Sponsored content is clearly labeled
• Advertising does not influence editorial decisions
• Editorial integrity is maintained at all times

Corrections Policy

• Readers can submit correction requests
• All requests are reviewed
• Verified errors are corrected promptly

We generally do not remove content but update it to maintain accuracy and transparency.

Content Updates and Timeliness

• Wellness Library: Reviewed annually
• News Content: Reflects information at the time of publication and may become outdated

Older content is retained for historical reference.

Feedback and Contact

For questions or feedback:
solutions@healthday.com