HHS RFID: HHS RFID Will Thwart Drug Counterfeiting

From eWeek ... While bar codes can make sure that the right drug gets to the right patient at the right dose, RFID technology is the next logical step. ...

HHS RFID Internal Business Process: Some of the strongest tools for personal property control and accountability are proper receiving, tagging/barcoding/radio frequency identification devices (RFID) scanning of property and proper assignment to use. Receiving operations will see more RFID devices on products as more military and civilian Agencies require suppliers to put passive or, in some cases active, RFID tags on the lowest possible part, case or pallet. Tracing of an item can occur through the supply chain from manufacturer to the precise customer location. Asset movement at the customer location can also be monitored. Agencies normally use passive RFID tags because of cost. Active RFID tags, which are more expensive, use batteries, stay on all the time and require a scanning device to determine the part or container's contents. Passive RFID tags, which are less expensive, stay dormant until scanned. Scanning can be via a hand held device or a pass-through scanning machine. Programmable RFIDs can hold maintenance records. RFID capability will be fully integrated into existing and future Property Management Information Systems/Asset Management Systems (PMIS/AMS) so that RFID recorded events become automatic transactions of record.