Chip Implants Get Ethics Code
- By Ralph C. Jensen
- Jul 19, 2007
A code of ethics designed to protect patients who receive
RFID implants has been established and approved by the American Medical
Association. Thankfully, the recommendations focus on safeguarding a patient’s
privacy and health. Why anyone would want an RFID implant is a topic for
another time, but for this matter, safety if first at hand.
Dr. Robert M. Sade, who chairs the Council on Ethical and
Judicial Affairs for the AMA, says RFID’s use in healthcare is another
promising development in information technology, but implementation does raise
important ethical, legal and social issues. I suppose the good doctor is right
in that RFID labeling in humans for medical purposes may improve patient
safety, but let’s face it, there are inherent physical risks, as well as a
compromise of patient privacy and other social hazards.
AMA proposed three recommendations: there must be disclosure
of medical uncertainties associated with such devices; physicians should strive
to protect patients’ privacy by storing confidential information only on RFID
devices using informational security similar to that required for medical
records; and physicians should support research into the safety and efficacy of
RFID devices implanted in humans, plus examine the role of doctors regarding
the non-medical uses of the technology.
These ethical guidelines are specifically meant for
physicians and caregivers, and are now an official part of the AMA’s code of
ethics. The code is widely accepted guidance for physicians’ professional,
ethical practices. However, RFID devices still need to be researched,
especially for physical risks to patients. The devices can migrate under the
skin and therefore would be difficult to extract.
RFID tags also may electromagnetically interfere with
electrosurgical devices and defibrillators, so research most definitely is in
order. It also should be noted that RFID tags also might affect the
effectiveness of pharmaceuticals.
Most importantly, RFID tags should not be implanted or
removed without prior consent of the patient, and patients or their legal
guardians should be informed of the potential risks and benefits associated
with RFID tags.
About the Author
Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.