Module 8: Ethical Issues in Human Genetics - Genetic Discrimination Flashcards
Types of potential genetic discrimination
- Employment
- Health insurance
- Supplemental insurance
- Education
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)
- Protects those who don’t have symptoms of a genetic condition yet
- Protects from discrimination from health insurers & employers using or requesting genetic information
The Affordable Care Act
-Protects those with a pre-existing condition (they have symptoms)
Limitations of GINA
- Does not protect supplemental insurance - long term care, life insurance, & disability insurance
- Does not protect if you are symptomatic
- Does not apply to small businesses
- Does not apply to members of military, veterans obtaining care at the VA, Federal employees and Indian Health Service
When is unauthorized disclosure is allowed?
- Attempts to encourage disclosure on the part of the patient have failed
- The harm is highly likely to occur and is serious, imminent, and foreseeable
- The at-risk relative(s) is identifiable; and the disease is preventable, treatable
- Medically acceptable standards indicate that early monitoring will reduce the genetic risk
Roger is a healthy 20 year-old. He had a genetic testing and was found to have a gene that greatly increases his risk of cancer. What law will protect his health insurance?
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)
Roger is denied life insurance because he is genetically predisposed to developing cancer at a young age. Is this legal?
Yes
Roger is applying for a new job and his employer asks for the results of any genetic testing he has had. Is this legal?
No
What are POTENTIAL areas for genetic discrimination?
- Life insurance
- Employment
- Health insurance
(T/F) Roger’s genetic predisposition for early onset cancer has effective screening protocol. He refuses to tell his siblings about his result. You cannot alert his siblings.
False
What genetic testing is protected by GINA?
Testing ordered in the medical setting
