Genetics E2- Ethical & Legal issues

What pretest genetic counseling should patients and family members receive?

Risk assessment, discussion of testing alternatives, & predictive value and interpretive limitations of the tests

What are potential benefits of genetic testing?

Anxiety relief, opportunities for behavior modification, & inc surveillance or interventions that may reduce risk

What are negative consequences to genetic testing?

inc anxiety, depression, & anger, potential for discrimination by insurers and employers, “survivors guilt”

Why is post-test counseling necessary?

To ensure results are interpreted correctly

*+ result only represents probability of dz; - result does not guarantee dz won’t develop

What law classifies genetic information as PHI to protect a patient’s privacy?

HIPAA

What federal law prohibits discrimination in health coverage and employment based on genetic information?

GINA

What does GINA not cover?

Life insurance, long-term care insurance, & disability insurance

What law prohibits health insurers from using genetic information to determine eligibility, charge higher premiums, and require genetic testing?

GINA

What law prohibits employers from using genetic information to make employment decisions or requiring genetic tests as a condition of employment?

GINA

In most countries, including the US, is there a legal obligation to inform family members of an increased risk to a disease after genetic testing?

No

T/F: In the UK, healthcare practitioners may be liable for failing to disclose a patient’s Huntington gene status, if affected, to offspring.

True