Law & psychiatry: Genetic discrimination in mental disorders: the impact of the genetic information nondiscrimination act.
Genetics is one of the most active areas of research on mental disorders. As genetic tests related to psychiatric disorders and their treatments proliferate in research and clinical settings, the possibility becomes more troubling that such information will be used for purposes other than those for which it was collected. Because of this, the federal Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 is of substantial importance to persons with mental disorders, persons at risk for the conditions, and family members of both groups. This column discusses the process of passing the legislation, along with the implications of the act.
Appelbaum
Paul S
PS
Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University. psa21@columbia.edu
D004651:Employment / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D030661:Genetic Privacy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D036281:Genetic Research / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000235:genetics*; D014481:United States