The chip merely contains a unique 16-digit number. A simple wand passed over the chip allows healthcare personnel to retrieve the number. Then the number can be entered into a password-protected computer system that allows medical staff access to retrieve the patient's medical history.
The human-implantable computer chip named the VeriMed Microchip (VeriChip Corporation, Delray Beach, FL) is the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved device containing Radio Frequency Identification (RFI).
The FDA classified the device as an "implantable radio frequency transponder system" for patient identification to further effectively gain access to a person's medical information. The device won approval from the FDA nearly two and one-half years ago.
Now the Patient Identification System is currently established in at least 110 hospitals, including Wellington Regional Medical Center in Wellington, FL, where the police officer had his procedure done.
Another 400 hospitals plan to join the VeriMed Physician Network to establish the RFI program at their facilities.
The manufacturer of the chip estimates that nearly 2000 people have already been implanted with the VeriChip worldwide.
The implications of the chip are viewed in many different aspects. Those receiving it and establishing the hospital systems believe it can save lives and identify the patient who is unable to respond. This includes the National Stroke Association.
On the other hand, some people compare the VeriChip to the "black boxes" that were placed in automobiles without most consumers even knowing about it.
It is believed by some that this device could eventually be used against a person's right to privacy by government invasion.
Further privacy issues arise regarding the ability to possibly utilize the code from the chip to access other personal information leading the path to identity theft.
Christians believe this is just the beginning of the end, as some speak out stating that this device may lead the way to the fulfillment of prophecy described in the Bible as the "mark of the beast or Antichrist."
Other unrelated devices are not only out there, but some humans have already received RFI implants in their hands for computer ID sign-ins. However, none of these other devices have been approved yet by the federal government.
