On April 24th the Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act (
GINA) unanimously passed the US Senate. The purpose of this legislation is to prevent the abuse of an individual's genetic information by insurers or other third parties.
The legislation seems timely - Recent advances in
direct-to-consumer genetics tests have left many people wondering about the misuse of their genetic data by insurance companies and employers. But some loopholes still remain. Read the full story here:
http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11293939The gene testing companies may start to use this new legislation as their marketing tool. I wonder how this new rule will affect
over-the-counter DNA paternity testing market?
What are some other steps that need to be taken to make further progress towards personalized medicine?