Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS), Government of Guam, is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of all individuals who access and use this website. This Privacy Policy explains how information may be collected, used, stored, protected, and disclosed through the use of this website and related online services.

By accessing or using this website, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We May Collect

DPHSS may collect information voluntarily provided by users through forms, applications, email communications, registrations, surveys, appointment requests, online submissions, or other interactive services available through this website.

Information collected may include:

• Name
• Address
• Email address
• Telephone number
• Date of birth
• Program eligibility information
• Health-related information submitted voluntarily
• Uploaded documents and files
• Other information necessary to provide requested services

DPHSS may also automatically collect limited technical information including:

• IP address
• Browser type
• Device type
• Operating system
• Pages visited
• Date and time of access
• Referral source information

This information may be collected for security, analytics, website administration, and system improvement purposes.

2. Use of Information

Information collected through this website may be used to:

• Provide government services and public assistance programs
• Process applications, requests, and submissions
• Respond to inquiries and communications
• Improve website functionality and user experience
• Maintain security and prevent unauthorized access
• Conduct internal reporting and analytics
• Comply with applicable federal and local laws, regulations, and reporting requirements
• Protect public health and safety

DPHSS will use reasonable efforts to ensure that collected information is used only for legitimate governmental and operational purposes.

3. Confidentiality and Protection of Information

DPHSS recognizes the sensitive nature of health, welfare, and personal information. Reasonable administrative, technical, and security safeguards are implemented to help protect information against unauthorized access, disclosure, misuse, alteration, or destruction.

However, no internet transmission or electronic storage system can be guaranteed as completely secure. Users acknowledge that submission of information through the internet carries inherent risks.

4. Public Records and Legal Disclosure

Information submitted to DPHSS may be subject to applicable Government of Guam laws, federal regulations, court orders, subpoenas, public records requests, audits, investigations, or other lawful disclosure requirements. Where permitted by law, DPHSS will take reasonable steps to protect confidential and personally identifiable information.

5. Health and Medical Information

Certain programs or services offered through this website may involve the submission of health or medical information. Such information may be handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws, regulations, and governmental requirements, including program-specific confidentiality obligations.

Users should not submit sensitive medical information unless specifically requested or required through an official DPHSS process or secure submission system.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

This website may use cookies, analytics tools, session technologies, and similar features to enhance functionality, improve performance, and better understand website usage patterns.

Users may adjust browser settings to refuse cookies or notify them when cookies are being used. Certain website functions may not operate properly if cookies are disabled.

7. Third-Party Websites and External Links

This website may contain links to third-party websites, partner agencies, external systems, social media platforms, or other government resources. DPHSS is not responsible for the privacy practices, content, security, or policies of external websites.

Users access external websites at their own discretion and risk.

8. Children’s Privacy

DPHSS does not knowingly collect personal information from children through this website unless such collection is part of an authorized government program, public health initiative, or legally permitted service. Parents and guardians are encouraged to supervise online activities involving minors.

9. Accessibility and Public Services

DPHSS is committed to providing accessible digital services to the community. Reasonable efforts are made to improve accessibility, usability, and equitable access to information and services through this website.

10. Website Security

DPHSS monitors network traffic, website activity, and system usage to help identify unauthorized access attempts, cyber threats, misuse, or security vulnerabilities.

Unauthorized attempts to modify, damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to this website or related systems may result in criminal, civil, or administrative penalties.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

DPHSS reserves the right to modify, update, or revise this Privacy Policy at any time without prior notice. Changes become effective upon posting to this website.

Users are encouraged to review this Privacy Policy periodically for updates.

12. Contact Information

For questions regarding this Privacy Policy or website-related concerns, please contact:
Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS)
Government of Guam
155 Hesler Place
Hagåtña, Guam 96910
Official Website: DPHSS Guam

This Privacy Policy is intended to support transparency, responsible information handling, and protection of public trust while providing online services to the people of Guam.