Department of Homeland Security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Department of Homeland Security - Essay Example And a final review shows the successes and failures for the past, present and future of the DHS. Keywords: DHS, OIG, CRS, ACE, GAO. Department of Homeland Security Its Establishment, The Organization, Then and Now 2002 – 2013 Introduction: â€Å"Our nation is stronger than it was on 9/11, more prepared to confront evolving threats, and more resilient in the face of our continued challenges.† (Napolitano, 2011). It has been a decade since the attacks on September 11, 2001. Our nation lost nearly 3,000 innocent men, women and children as well as citizens from more than 90 countries. In the wake of the attack, America has become even stronger and resilient; however, threats still persist. We have overcome challenges in the past decade, but more strides need to be made to guard our nation against other large attacks or natural disasters on our own soil.(DHS.gov, 2012). We have come to realize that it is not only the responsibility of our government to maintain security but it is a shared responsibility of each American. The Federal government has partnered with government, the public and private sectors in communities across our country and other nations to strengthen the DHS’s infrastructure. This large security endeavor works to defend against threats, minimize risks, and maximize our response so that we may recover quickly from any attacks or differing disasters. (DHS.gov, 2012). The vision, â€Å"Preserving our freedoms, protecting America..we secure our homeland.† (Napolitano, 2013). Establishment, Breakdown and Purpose: Immediately after the 9/11 attacks President Bush took authoritative action to assure protection for America. In the document of June 2002 he established the White House Office of Homeland Security and the Homeland Security Council to assure that our federal response and protective actions would be effective in the future. He appointed Tom Ridge as Homeland Security Advisor to study the federal government and determ ine if what we have now would be sufficient to deal with a current threat. He was also instructed to evaluate the system as far as future threats and anything unknown. (Bush, 2002). The study determined that since 9/11 information learned about the enemy while fighting a war required more unification in the homeland security division. (Bush, 2002). The organization would focus on four specific and efficient divisions. 1. Border and transportation security would cover borders, transportation systems and territorial waters. Responsibilities of the Coast Guard, Customs, Immigration, Border Patrol, and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture would all be under this division. The newly formed Transportation Security Administration would cover all entries into the United States. This security measure assured that border control and visas were held in a central information-sharing database. (Bush, 2002). 2. Emergency preparedness and response focused on training for domestic disaster preparedness of first responders and communication with the government disaster response efforts. FEMA would become a central division of the DHS.

Application of Information Technology in Health Care Essay

Application of Information Technology in Health Care - Essay Example It is good to embrace technology, but the question of ethics reminds us to evaluate fully its repercussions to general welfare of humankind. New technologies are beneficial if used in the right way. However, sometimes they can be a source of human suffering. Gabrielle Olivera (2005) points out that, the use of Radio Frequency Identification dates back in1940s. VeriChip was used for security purposes and tracking of livestock. Gabrielle Olivera continues to elaborate on the modern uses of chips such as, tagging of medical bottles, packaged foods, rental cars, and drivers licenses. Implantation of chips into human body has sparked debates among human rights activist and other organizations (Tavani, 2009). This is controversy, which remains unresolved to date. This paper seeks to compare the pros and cons regarding the use of chip technology in Medical Record System. The paper attempts to raise legal and ethical awareness of the technology in question. It will use evidence-based argumen ts to compare the pros and cons of Electronic Health System in order to declare my stand on this matter. It will finally provide recommendations and conclusion based on the weight of the cons and pros. Implantation of chips to human is not new in the field of medicine. Installation of pacemakers prolongs the lives of patients. Goran Hermeren, the chairperson on European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies, carried out a research on implantation technology in 2005. In his report, to the European Commission, he highlights that the usage of implantable chips dates back to 1960s. He lists some examples such as cardiovascular pacemakers used in heart failure patients and cochlear implants, which aid in signal transmission to the ear. It is evident from this report that chips have restored human capabilities. However, it is necessary to compare the benefits of electronic implants on one hand and the risks on the other hand. These are pros and cons. Some of the pros of Electron ic Health Records include its usage during an emergency. Glaser and Salzberg (2011), reveals that the electronic health records play an important role during this time. This is because the patients do not have their health records with them and therefore Electronic implants acts as a source of reference. In addition, they are unconscious and there fore cannot give their personal details. In such cases, Electronic Health Records provide patients’ health information. They give useful information such as the patients’ health history there fore save lives. During disasters and natural calamities, they are sources of useful information. It is clear that Electronic Health Records inform of implants achieve highest degree of accuracy. Patients may forget to provide some important facts of their health history. For example, they may have some allergies to certain medicines and failure to give this information brings disaster to their health. On the other hand, opponents of the electronic health records cite their unresolved issues concerning respect for fundamental rights to oppose its adoption in the health sector. To begin with, these chips lack insurance covers. Hammaker (2010) depicts that manufactures of chips do not assume responsibility in case of any danger that may arise from their usage. Some these implants are quite expensive and it is unfair to compel patients to have them in their bodies. The technology violates human dignity. Insertion of implants is violation of human dignity. Security issues are also matters of great concern. Tavani (2009) notes that patients are not ready lose their identity to a third party. Moreover, Health Record implants can cause electrical hazards, which can result into death of patients. This