Purpose And Justification

The purpose of this policy is to define the types of external websites that can be linked from the Department of Retirement Systems website.

DEFINITIONS: External website – means all websites other than the DRS website (drs.wa.gov).

Applicability, Usage And Agency Discretion This policy applies to the DRS website at drs.wa.gov and the content therein. The DRS website is not a public forum for communication and debate. Links to external websites from the DRS website are established, retained and removed at the sole discretion of DRS as directed by the agency Communications Director.

Permitted Links To External Websites Links to the following types of external websites may be included on the DRS website:

• Websites Maintained by Other Governmental Units – DRS may provide links to other governmental websites at the federal, state and local levels, including websites maintained by governmental educational institutions. 
• Websites Maintained by Non-governmental Entities – DRS may provide links to non-governmental entities only if such organizations have a contractual relationship with DRS or other governmental units to provide services or resources to DRS or its members. 
• Social Media – DRS may link to external content it manages on social media platforms. 
• Associations Representing DRS Retirees – DRS may provide links to membership associations representing Washington state’s public pension system retirees. 
• Mapping Applications – In limited circumstances, DRS may link to external websites that provide mapping applications to assist DRS customers and others in visiting department offices. 

In all instances, links to external websites referenced in this section shall be based on a review and determination by the DRS Communications Director that the content corresponds with the mission and purpose of DRS.

DRS Not Responsible For External Content Outside Its Control External websites identified in Section 3 of this policy are usually not controlled, maintained or regulated by DRS, and as such DRS is not responsible for the content of those websites. Unless otherwise specified, any information obtained from an external website linked to from DRS is not guaranteed by DRS.