The American Burn Association (“ABA,” “we,” “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy of its members, customers, and users. This Privacy Policy explains the information we collect, how we use it, how we share it, and the rights available to you under applicable data protection laws, including the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and emerging U.S. state privacy laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the Washington Privacy Act (WPA).
This Privacy Policy applies to all websites, platforms, mobile applications, and digital services offered by ABA.
Information We Collect
Information You Provide Directly
When you sign up for services or interact with ABA, you may provide:
Contact information (name, phone, mailing address, email)
Date of birth
Education and professional background (medical school, residency, specialty, practice details)
Purchasing and payment details
Authentication credentials (username, password)
Content you submit in forums, Help Center, or peer review activities
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit ABA websites or digital services, we collect certain technical data to improve your experience, such as:
Device information (operating system, browser, hardware details, IP address)
Location information (approximate, based on IP)
Service usage (pages viewed, time on site, referral links)
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Functional Cookies: Used to keep you signed in, manage shopping carts, track course enrollments, and enable single sign-on (SSO).
Analytics: We use Google Analytics to understand how our sites are used. Data collected is not combined with personally identifiable information. Learn more here or opt out here .
Advertising: We use Google Ads and other vendors to deliver advertising based on prior visits. Users in the EU are served only generic ads. Learn how to manage or opt out .
How We Use Your Information
We process your personal information for:
Service delivery: Managing transactions, processing payments, fulfilling orders, providing support.
Membership and participation: Enabling your membership, event registration, and participation in ABA programs, awards, and directories.
Communication: Sending newsletters, updates, product information, and event announcements (you may opt out at any time).
Community engagement: Allowing you to participate in forums and member networks (please use caution when posting personal information).
Improvement and security: Analyzing usage patterns, securing services, preventing fraud, and enforcing policies.
How We Share Your Information
We may share your information with:
Service providers: Trusted partners who perform services on our behalf (e.g., hosting, payment processing).
Legal compliance: Where required by law, subpoena, or valid legal process.
Business transactions: In the context of mergers, reorganizations, or asset transfers.
Security and enforcement: To prevent fraud, abuse, or threats to safety.
These providers are contractually obligated to safeguard your data and use it only for authorized purposes.
Your Privacy Rights
Depending on where you reside, you may have rights under GDPR, CCPA, WPA, or other laws, including:
Access your personal data.
Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
Delete/erase your data (“right to be forgotten”).
Restrict or object to processing of your data.
Data portability.
Opt out of marketing or targeted advertising.
Withdraw consent (where consent is the legal basis for processing).
EU residents may also object to automated decision-making and profiling (ABA does not currently engage in profiling).
To exercise these rights, please contact: info@ameriburn.org .
Data Security
ABA uses HTTPS encryption across all websites and complies with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) for all financial transactions. Sensitive data is not stored beyond what is legally required for financial, accounting, or regulatory purposes.
We conduct regular audits to ensure systems remain secure.
Security and E-commerce
All ABA websites are delivered via secured HTTPS protocols to help ensure safe transmission of information. Personal information is stored in systems governed by ABA’s Data Protection Policy, and safeguards are in place to protect against unauthorized access.
Online transactions are processed through secure servers that comply with current Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). Credit card numbers are not stored after transactions are completed.
Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary for business, legal, and regulatory purposes, including:
Financial recordkeeping and compliance
Fraud prevention and security
Communications history (support tickets, feedback)
Backup systems may temporarily retain deleted data for a limited time.
International Data Transfers
Information collected by ABA is processed and stored in the United States. If you are in the EU, please note that U.S. laws may not provide the same level of protection as your home jurisdiction. ABA applies safeguards to ensure your rights are protected in accordance with GDPR.
Protecting Children’s Privacy
Our services are intended for individuals 18 years or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If such information is identified, it will be promptly deleted.
Questions and Complaints
If you have questions, requests, or concerns, please contact:
American Burn Association, Inc.
ATTN: Senior Director of Finance and Operations
311 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 950
Chicago, IL 60606
Email: info@ameriburn.org
Phone: 312-642-9260
EU residents may also lodge a complaint with their local data protection supervisory authority.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on our website with the effective date noted. If changes are significant, we will provide additional notice (e.g., email notification or request for consent if required by law).
Unsubscribe and Communications
Members and customers may update their communication preferences at any time. Options include:
Adjusting preferences directly through the ABA Member Center
Clicking the “unsubscribe” link included in all promotional emails
Contacting ABA at info@ameriburn.org for assistance
Certain service-related emails (such as receipts, membership confirmations, or event logistics) are necessary to fulfill requested services and cannot be opted out of.
Member Directory
If you are an active ABA member, your information may be included in the ABA Member Directory, which is accessible to other members. Directory data is drawn from membership applications, dues payment forms, and other transactions with ABA. If you prefer not to be listed in the directory, you may request removal by contacting info@ameriburn.org.