1. Presented by Allyson Medina, RN
The VeriChip
VeriChip – What is VeriChip?
Has anyone heard of it?
Presented by Allyson Medina, RN

2. Objectives Describe VeriChip
Describe and evaluate the hardware and software utilized with VeriChip
Describe and evaluate the information system used with VeriChip
List the advantages and disadvantages of VeriChip
Evaluate the ethical and legal issues related to VeriChip
Explain the informatics competencies required by any professional nurse working with this trend
Describe the functions and responsibilities of a informatics nurse (IN) and/or the informatics nurse specialist (INS) when working with this trend
Summarize VeriChip
The purpose of this presentation is take time to examine VeriChip – a technology that is testing the boundaries of what society deems acceptable. Some people call it tagging and inhumane, but others find it to be a necessity. I will start by describing VeriChip and I will come back to this page repeatedly until we cover all bullet points.

3. Description
VeriChip is an implantable universal means of identification
Classified as a radio frequency identification device (RFID)
Utilizes radio waves to transmit information wirelessly
Implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of humans between the antecubital fossa and shoulder
When device is activated by VeriChip scanner, emits a 16-digit corresponding number
Approved for use by FDA in 2004 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2004)
So, what is VeriChip? VeriChip is a technology under the umbrella of RFID, or radio frequency identification devices. Simply, stated, it uses radio waves to pass vital information from patient to reader – be it a nurse. Doctor, etc.
So, how is this done? An implantable, rice sized ID chip is implanted into the subcutaneous tissue between the elbow and shoulder. Later I’ll discuss other body parts that this device has been implanted in, but typically, it’s between the AC and shoulder.
Next, a handheld scanning device is used to scan the chip which gives you a corresponding 16-digit code that matches up with the patient’s information.
As you can see from the pictures in this slide, VeriChp is very advanced technology. It is minuscule, yet, provides healthcare providers with so much information. Most importantly, it was approved for use in humans by the FDA in 2004.

4. Description Continued
Uses a portable handheld device to read one’s unique code
Code is then entered into a secure database that has correlating healthcare data
Stored data can contain any information, but examples are as follows:
Here is the handheld device that is used to procure the 16-digit code I was telling you about. It is very portable and easy to use.
Once the code is read in the window of the device, simply type this number into a secure database that matches the patient with his/her information.
Now lets take a look at why this is so important…Any ideas? What information do you think is important to be saved?
One’s name and address
Emergency contact information
These are important, but there are additional, and possibly more vital information that can also be stored…
History of seizures
Cardiac history
Blood disorder/type
Organ Donor
Diabetic
Kidney failure
Religion
Age/Name/Address
Emergency Contact Information
DNR

5. Description Continued
VeriChip is comparable to the size of a rice kernel
VeriChip is easily implantable in a doctor’s office with a local anesthetic
Used for other identification purposes worldwide (employee ID, payment, etc.)
Various employers in the U.S. have required this implantation for improved security
In 2007, 222 people had this device implanted
&
In 2008, the number is estimated around (Electronic Privacy Information Center, 2004)
VeriChip is so tiny as you can see from the bottom picture. There’s not a long surgery needed for implantation either. With a local anesthetic and a trip to the doctor’s office, one could attain this technology with ease.
Today, more and more people are using this technology for other means than healthcare, such as employee ID, personal ID, and even a form of payment (we’ll delve into this a bit later too)
As of now, the most recent study shows that about 300 people have this device, but this number is increasing.

6. Evaluation of the Hardware Utilized for VeriChip
The Hardware for VeriChip consists of two items:
1. An Implanted ID chip
Tissue Bonding Cap
Antenna
ID Chip
2. A Scanning device
The hardware needed for this device to work is that rice sized implantable device we’ve been talking about and the associated handheld scanner.
The ID Chip is composed of a tissue bonding cap, an antenna, and the ID chip. The tissue bonding cap is exactly what it’s named. It works to keep the chip in place within the subcutaneous tissue. It prevents slippage with its specially designed plastic surface. The antenna, is made of a coil that creates a current of electricity with a circuit equal to 134 kilohertz. And finally, the ID Chip is used to modulate the antenna to provide a continuous repeating signal equivalent to approximately 128-bits of information.
The scanning device is simply held in your hand with the display facing you, and the back of it lightly pressed up against the surface of the skin where the implant is located (The read range of the VeriChip is 3.5 inches according to VeriMed.com). Simply press the button, and the 16-digit number will be displayed. With this number, we enter it into the corresponding software program/database that is used to store the data associated with the chips.

7. Evaluation of the Software Utilized for VeriChip
Utilizes a secure online Global VeriChip Subscriber (GVS) Registry
- Approximately 21 trillion different combinations of 16-digit codes can be stored within database (20,922,789,888,000, to be exact)
Security Measures - chip readers only issued to healthcare providers - need username/password & 16-digit ID
VeriMed Software
(VeriMed Patient Identification - FAQ, 2009)
Usability is high Easy to use & Easy to learn Drawback: Efficiency of use r/t lack of use
Keep your font type and size the same throughout so your last entry at the bottom needs to match the rest of the slide
When a chip is activated by a VeriChip scanner, the number emitted provides instant access to information logged in the Global VeriChip Subscribe (GVS) Registry. This database houses all information stored on all VeriChips. However, the only way to gain access is to have the full code, the necessary software, and a username/password. (21 trillion different 16-digit combos exist).
After entering in the required information, the patient’s data will be accessed, and you’ll just read the information from the database. Usability is high as it is easy to use and to learn. Using formal usability tests, ER nurses can use experimental studies to become more familiar with the technology. However, the problem with this technology is not its difficulty of use, but its amount of use. People are better at doing skills with repetition, but because there are few people that have been implanted with this chip, you don’t use the database and technology too often. However, VeriChip is making strides to increase its availability.
Hospitals are now given this system for FREE. If your hospital doesn’t have this technology, and would like it, all they have to do is fill out a quick application form online and VeriChip will be in contact with your hospital to setup free access.
VeriChip wants its technology in all hospitals across the world. So much so, that it is giving its technology away for free to all Emergency Departments.
Here’s a short clip on what one doctor is saying about VeriChip.
(VeriMed Patient Identification – Testimonials, 2009)
All software/hardware given to Emergency Departments for FREE!

8. Evaluation of the Information System Utilized for VeriChip
VeriChip is a Clinical Information System
Users include only physicians and nurses
NOT considered a nursing information system
This IS allows users to access necessary healthcare data
Accessed via any minicomputer with specialty software and passwords
The Data standards used by VeriChip is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) (RFID News, 2009)
- ANSI certified VeriChip for their openness, balance, consensus and due process (ANSI, 2008)
VeriChip utilizes a clinical information system. It can only be accessed by a nurse or doctor.
Remember, the healthcare data in this system is private, and should not be accessible by too many people.
This IS can be accessed using a typical microcomputer with the correct software and passwords.
VeriChip follows the data standards set forth by ANSI.

9. Advantages and Disadvantages of VeriChip
Easily implantable
Information is easily assessable in an emergency with access to a chip reader
Information stored on VeriChip can help save your life
Disadvantages
Skin/tissue reactions
Increased risk of lethal cancers
Possible dislodgement of chip
Potential leak of personal information
Not all hospitals have the necessary technology
Here are some advantages and disadvantages to VeriChip. Let’s start with the disadvantages.

10. Ethical and Legal Issues
Europe is using VeriChip as a form of ID for clubbing and shopping (Prison Planet, 2004)
In America, many people view VeriChip as a form of branding Will this lead to a loss of civil liberties?
Extremists believe VeriChip marks the end of the world for the human race
Legally, the data from an implantable VeriChip can be accessed by:
What is most frightening about this technology is its misuse. Currently, in Europe and Spain, the hottest clubs are promoting VeriChip implantations by offering its users VIP status. These “VIPs” are scanned at the door and pay for their tabs with credit card accounts linked to their microchip’s 16-digit pin. These young partygoers no longer have to worry about carrying their IDs or cash when going out – they’re simply scanned.
In America, protestors view VeriChip to be a form of branding. What everyone is worrying about is their information getting into the wrong hands, and this is very understandable.
On the far end of the spectrum are the extremist groups who view VeriChip as a camouflaged Nazi-like hate group. There are numerous people who fall into this category, and if you do a quick search on the internet, you’ll find that there are an abundant amount of websites that bash the use of VeriChip in this manner.
Ultimately, VeriChip’s purpose as per the US Food and Drug administration is to act as a means to convey vital health information only. As far as its use as financial payment and casual identification, it is not yet approved in the US. But is this where it is going?
Medical Professionals ONLY
A record is made every time someone logs on and accesses a subscriber's record and CAN be traced

11. Use of simplistic software to enter a 16-digit code and password
The informatics competencies required by any professional nurse working with this trend
Use of simplistic software to enter a 16-digit code and password
Functions and responsibilities of informatics nurse (IN) and/or the informatics nurse specialist (INS) when working with this trend
Be able to identify patients with a VeriChip implantation
Ensure your ER has this technology – It’s FREE!
Scan the chip with reader and enter number into secure database
REMEMBER:
HIPAA and Privacy Laws apply to ALL patients (with and without VeriChips)
Again, the technology with VeriChip is simple to use. You’re simply scanning the chip and entering the number that appears in a database along with the password issued to your facility, and the data will then appear. Probably, the most difficult part is knowing whether or not the patient has a RFID. To do this, simply look quickly at both arms for a kernel sized implantable device and run your hands over to feel for something hard. If in doubt, use the scanner to be sure. If the patient is already unconscious and ill, the benefits outweigh the risks.
In the end, as we all know, HIPAA privacy laws must be upheld, regardless if a patient has a VeriChip or not.

12. In Summary VeriChip is new technology
In an emergency, it speaks for those who can’t speak for themselves
There is a direct link to terminal cancers with VeriChip’s use
After much research into this new technological trend, I believe this is the start to something bigger, but it should be perfected more before implantation into healthy individuals.
Not surprisingly, VeriChip’s technology raises a few eyebrows. Is this technology that we want? Where will it eventually go, if we accept its use for healthcare related data? No one knows the answers to all these questions. We can just hope that we as educated people can come to the best decision for all.
Currently, VeriChip is working on an implantable device that will read blood sugars for patients so they no longer have to be stuck with needles.
The purpose of VeriChip’s use is well-founded with good intentions, but its should be restricted to those with healthcare risks. Since there is a direct link with VeriChip and terminal cancers, we as healthcare professionals must inform our patients of all its side effects – we want our patients to have all the information.
Sadly, as an aside, the implantable device in dogs that is used for tracking, has also been linked to tumor growth.

13. References
Electronic Privacy Information Center (2004, March 15). VeriChip.      Retrieved February 7,      
American National Standards Institute (2008). Introduction to ANSI Retrieved March 26,
Prison Planet (2004, April 7). Baja Beach Club in Barcelona, Spain Launches Microchip Implantation for VIP Members Retrieved April 15,
RFID News (2009) ANSI Approves new standard for RFID in Healthcare Retrieved February 7,

14. References Continued
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2004). Evaluation of Automatic Class III Designation VeriChip (TM) Health Information Microtransponder System. (Regulation Number: 21 CFR ). Washington, DC. Retrieved February 7,
VeriMed Patient Identification (2009). Intro to VeriMed FAQ Retrieved February 21,
VeriMed Patient Identification (2009). Testimonials Retrieved February 21,