Dec-09-09 Immigration

The coverage of legal and illegal immigrants under the health reform legislation is now a prominent and contentious issue. Although a difficult issue for many, it has not been seen as an issue that would derail health reform until now. Many Hispanic community advocates initially tried to keep health reform and immigration, their two key issues, on separate tracks. However, they now believe this may have been a misguided strategy and are now actively engaged in the debate, arguing that health care reform is not taking into account the special needs of the Hispanic community.
 

Aug-27-09 Washington Energy Update

The extended health care debate appears to be having an impact on the fate of energy and climate legislation in the Senate, despite repeated assertions from Senate Democrats that they intend to pass climate change legislation this year. Senate Democrats had expected a floor vote on health care before the August recess, which would have cleared the way for the climate bill in the fall. Now, with health care legislation slated for a vote in the fall and Democrats still divided, there may be little time or appetite for moving forward with another major contentious issue.

Jul-18-09 It’s All About the Cost

One should not underestimate the role that biometrics can play in producing some of these savings. Biometric technologies can facilitate the use of electronic health records by making patients feel more comfortable with the concept, knowing that access to their sensitive medical information is restricted and secure. This, in turn, will make it easier for health professionals to coordinate patient care and provide more effective, less costly treatment. Biometric technologies also can assist in preventing fraud and abuse in government programs. Expanding health coverage to tens of millions of people is a daunting task. The prospect of duplicate enrollments and other attempts to game the system must be addressed, and biometrics offer a solution.

Jul-01-09 Section 233: Full and Open Competition in Security Background Screening Service

The International Biometric Industry Association (IBIA) is pleased to report that the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2200, The Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act, on June 4, 2009.

Included in the bill is Section 233: Full and Open Competition in Security Background Screening Service. This Section provides for full and open competition in background screening services, and it specifies that airports and airlines will no longer be required to use a single service provider for these services and …”may use the services of other providers approved by the Assistant Secretary” of TSA.