Elizabeth Kapusnik, Senior Account Executive at Brodeur Worldwide, provided a summary of the results from the recent HealthTechNet Website Survey and gave a report on the website initiatives discussed by the Website Development and Member Education Committee. The Committee plans to enhance the interactivity and substantive sections of the website and promote greater use by HealthTechNet members.
Jane Hyatt Thorpe, associate at Shaw Pittman, provided a summary of the implications of the March 27, 2002 proposed HIPAA amendments on medical research. In general, the proposed amendments, if adopted, will reduce or eliminate several actual and perceived obstacles to medical research.
The keynote speaker, Rick J. Carlson, gave a presentation entitled, "Understanding the Human Genome: Implications for Public and Private Decision Makers." Currently Mr. Carlson is involved in several projects funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation aimed at educating health care decision makers about the implications of human genome research on the delivery of health care. In particular, Mr. Carlson is advocating the development of a common language to address the issues raised by human genome research and public policies that positively and appropriately address the issues. A copy of his presentation is attached. In addition, Mr. Carlson has co-authored a book,
The Terrible Gift: The Brave New World of Genetic Medicine.