“.Smart Cards for the Future Healthcare System The healthcare industry is facing pressure to control operational costs and manage the information system more efficiently and more securely using technology most recent. As the healthcare industry advances, protecting electronic data is a key concern. Today's healthcare requires immediate and secure access to information without compromising privacy. Modern medicine and the latest technologies in the healthcare system are increasing life expectancy. Today people leave more time, causing a significant increase in healthcare costs. Increases in healthcare spending have led to an increase in ways to reduce healthcare costs. One of the tools that the healthcare industry is trying to implement to achieve a reduction in healthcare costs is the “Smart Card”. The introduction of smart cards in the healthcare sector could be a solution to reduce healthcare costs in the future. The smart card offers a unique opportunity to provide a healthcare solution for accessing and managing security information with data mobility and patient privacy. There is some controversy surrounding the introduction of smart cards into the healthcare system; the controversy exists due to privacy, confidentiality, security and understanding blocking issues. In this article I will discuss the key arguments in favor of the use of smart cards, as well as the opposition to the use of such technology. The first thing to explore and discuss is the use of smart cards in healthcare and their purpose. What is a smart card? The smart card was first invented in 1974 by Frenchman Roland Moreno in France; during this period the card is used as payment for a phone call; Since then, smart cards have been used in a variety of industries, including… Half of the card… Information is critically important. The Canadian Nurse, 104(5), 8. Retrieved July 28, 2010, from http://0proquest.umi.com.aupac.lib.athabascau.ca/pqdweb?did=1487741691&sid=2&Fmt=6&clientId=12302&RQT=309&VName= PQDSerb , (2003) Retrieved from: http://www.sbaer.uca.edu/research/acme/2005/11.pdf Smart cards give emergency room doctors more time for patients… (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/5272 .aspThede, L. Q., & Sewell, J. P. (2010). Informatics and nursing: skills and applications (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Terry, K. & Weinstock, M. (2008). Hospital and healthcare networks: Will PHRs rule the waves or move with the tide? 82, 8; ABI/Informa Globale. Retrieved from http://0-proquest.umi.com.aupac.lib.athabascau.ca/pqdweb?did=1545198461&sid=5&Fmt=6&clientId=12302&RQT=309&VName=PQD