Healthcare IT News reports that VeriChip Corporation is supporting the Pennsylvania bill that would ban the forced implantation of identification devices in people (see previous coverage here).
The bill, which passed the House, has yet to go to the state Senate.
“In general, we are supportive of legislation that prohibits forced implants,” said Silverman. “VeriChip, like any other medical device, should be an election by the patient or his or her physician, loved one or guardian. As long as legislators understand the primary application of VeriChip and the benefits it can provide, we support – in fact we started – the voluntary nature of implantable RFID.”
The bill, however, would not allow for consent by the physician, loved one, or guardian to substitute for consent by the individual, and only those aged 18 or older could be implanted if they consent. Two exemptions were added to the bill in the House to allow for chipping without consent in the case of court order or for Guantanamo detainees.