I would like to read the Biometric Enabled Check-In System Privacy Notice

Biometric Enabled Check-In Privacy Notice:

For USMLE Candidates

Biometrics is part of Prometric’s identity management system and is designed to improve the security and integrity of the testing process. The USMLE program uses Biometric Enabled Check-In as part of standard test day procedures. This biometrics program is implemented by Prometric (whose corporate headquarters are located at 1501 South Clinton Street, Baltimore, MD 21224, U.S.A.) which acts on behalf of the USMLE program sponsors, as data processor.

This Privacy Notice describes the privacy and security practices that have been established for the Biometric Enabled Check-In program.

About Biometric Enabled Check-In

The biometrics program converts a fingerprint to a digital image that is used for identity verification purposes. During the Biometric Enabled Check-In, you will place your finger on a scanner at the test center. The equipment will create a digitized representation of your fingerprint (a “template”). This representation template will be paired with other personal information you provide to your registration entity, allowing accurate identification during the testing process. As you move in and out of the test lab at the test center, you will use your finger to authenticate yourself at the scanners located in the test center.

 

Personal Information Collected as Part of the Biometrics Program

The biometric record contains some or all of the following information: a digitized representation of your fingerprint (the template), an image of your fingerprint, along with your name, address, telephone number (if provided), date of birth or age, identification document number, and a scanned copy of your identification document (such as your driver’s license), which includes your digitized photograph. The biometrics record is paired with ID information and information about your testing appointment session.

Purposes and Uses for the Personal Information

The personal information collected under the Biometric program is used:

1.       To administer the tests and verify your identity on an ongoing basis throughout the test day

2.       To identify and prevent testing fraud and maintain the integrity of the testing process by detecting and preventing test taking by unauthorized candidates

3.       To improve security of test centers by detecting and preventing unauthorized access of candidates to secure areas

4.       As required by law

Personal Information Disclosed to Third Parties

Your personal information (including your fingerprint template) may be provided to the following:

·         Data processors, like Prometric, who process the data and who are bound by contracts to limit their use of the information to the purposes specified in this notice

·         Third parties if required by law or as necessary to complete a testing fraud investigation directly related to the relevant candidate(s).

Information Storage

Unless otherwise required by law, the personal information (including your fingerprint image and template) collected using biometrics is retained on behalf of the USMLE program sponsors in a secure, centralized database in the United States on test day and for a period of 5 years from the date of your most recent testing appointment with Prometric. Upon expiration of that time period, all demographic information collected using biometrics and the fingerprint image and template are deleted. Although the U.S. and many other countries do not have comprehensive data protection laws, the USMLE sponsors and Prometric will treat your personal information such that it will receive appropriate protection through data transfer contracts and/or certification to the EU-US Safe Harbor Program.

Privacy and Information Security

Appropriate technical, physical and administrative safeguards have been implemented to help protect your personal information against unauthorized access or loss. Access to information collected under the Biometric Enabled Check-In program is limited to those employees or agents of the USMLE program sponsors who have a need to access it and who are bound by confidentiality agreements.

The USMLE program sponsors and Prometric are committed to protecting your privacy and will only use the personal information collected under the Biometric Enabled Check-In program for the purposes described in this Privacy Notice.

Questions

If you still have concerns about the Biometric Enabled Check-In program, please contact your registration entity.

Source: http://usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=119

Changes to Biometric Enabled Check-in Program at test centers

“Changes on June 21, 2012″

Beginning July 1, 2012, there will be changes in the retention period for biometric information obtained as part of the standard test day procedures for computer-based Step examinations at many Prometric test centers.  The changes will allow such information to be stored across USMLE Step exams.

The Biometric Enabled Check-in Program is designed to improve the security and integrity of the testing process.  For more detailed information about the Biometric Enabled Check-in Program, including the Privacy Notice for USMLE Candidates. Info about Biometric Enabled Check-In System.

Source: http://usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=100

Documentation necessary to substantiate the Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder must be comprehensive

Because ADHD is, by definition, first exhibited in childhood (although it may not have been formally diagnosed) and in more than one setting, objective, relevant, historical information is essential. Information verifying a chronic course of ADHD symptoms from childhood through adolescence to adulthood, such as educational transcripts, report cards, teacher comments, tutoring evaluations, job assessments and the like are necessary.

1.       The evaluator is expected to review and discuss DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for ADHD and describe the extent to which the patient meets these criteria. The report must include information about the specific symptoms exhibited and document that the patient meets criteria for long-standing history, impairment and pervasiveness.

2.       A history of the individual’s presenting symptoms must be provided, including evidence of ongoing impulsive/hyperactive or inattentive behaviors (as specified in DSM-IV) that significantly impair functioning in two or more settings.

3.       The information collected by the evaluator must consist of more than self-report. Information from third party sources is critical in the diagnosis of adult ADHD. Information gathered in the diagnostic interview and reported in the evaluation should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:

·         History of presenting attentional symptoms, including evidence of ongoing impulsive/hyperactive or inattentive behavior that has significantly impaired functioning over time;

·         Developmental history;

·         Family history for presence of ADHD and other educational, learning, physical or psychological difficulties deemed relevant by the examiner;

·         Relevant medical and medication history, including the absence of a medical basis for the symptoms being evaluated;

·         Relevant psychosocial history and any relevant interventions;

·         A thorough academic history of elementary, secondary and postsecondary education;

·         Review of psychoeducational test reports to determine if a pattern of strengths or weaknesses is supportive of attention or learning problems;

·         Evidence of impairment in several life settings (home, school, work, etc.) and evidence that the disorder significantly restricts one or more major life activities.

·         Relevant employment history;

·         Description of current functional limitations relative to an educational setting and toUSMLE in particular that are presumably a direct result of the described problems with attention;

·         A discussion of the differential diagnosis, including alternative or co-existing mood, behavioral, neurological and/or personality disorders that may confound the diagnosis of ADHD;

·         Exploration of possible alternative diagnoses that may mimic ADHD; and

·         Age norms where available.

Source: http://usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=828

What is the USMLE?

USMLE is a standardized examination used to evaluate applicants’ competence for purposes of medical licensure in the United States and its territories. The USMLE is designed to assess a physician’s ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles, and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills, that constitute the basis of safe and effective patient care. USMLE is accepted by virtually all licensing boards in the US as evidence of competence to practice medicine in the US. State medical boards rely upon successful completion of the three USMLE component exams, or “Steps,” as an important element in the process for licensing physicians. Because of the test’s importance to the public’s safety and to examinees, maintaining its fairness and integrity is a priority for the NBME.

Source: http://usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=765