Ethics Opinions

Genetic testing is most appropriate when the results of testing will have meaningful impact on the patient’s care. It is important that patients always receive appropriate counseling. Physicians should not encourage testing unless there is effective therapy available to prevent or ameliorate the condition tested for.

Physicians may ethically provide genetic testing to inform reproductive decision making when the patient requests, but may also wish to offer broad screening to all persons who are considering having a child.

Patients who undergo genetic testing have a right to have their information kept in confidence, and a variety of state and federal laws prohibit discrimination by employers, insurers, and other third parties based on genetic information.

With the exception of genetic information (or material) collected under the jurisdiction of a coroner, medical examiner, or other medical legal officer, the release of genetic information from a physician’s records without the patient’s informed consent constitutes a breach of confidentiality. However, under limited circumstances, physicians may disclose such information to the criminal justice system.