Genetic Privacy

From WikiAdvocacy

HIPAA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act includes some protections of fair and appropriate use of genetic information. Enacted in 1997, it has been modified, most recently to protect individuals from having their contact information disclosed to companies who wish to advertise to them based on the prescriptions they have purchased. (The Act now explicitly prohibits pharmacies from selling contact information for the purpose of marketing.)

More recently, bills have been introduced in the US House and Senate explicitly designed to address genetic discrimination. Genetic Alliance and other organizations are working to have these protections passed. You can follow this effort at Genetic Alliance's website.

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