Suppose a patient has a test, which discloses certain genetic data. Recall that data is said to become information when it is used to make a classification of a decision. List the parties who might be interested in such data about a patient, and what information each might obtain from the data. Which of these would be covered under GINA?
The patient has certainly indicated identified genetic marker based on test result that was carried out. The observable information in the DNA sequence variation of this patient is very important for the following parties: primary and secondary healthcare providers—they will use the said information as medical records analysis and as a potential/eventual factor in the treatment of the patient/or family members; health insurers—for premium record and for the purpose of providing any accommodation as a result of such indication. There is also life insurers—for premium and benefit purposes; employers—for job and other employment records, family members—for medical history; and the government—for government purposes in providing benefit or medical surveillance or accommodation. GINA (Genetic Information Nondiscrimation Act) law covers injunction discrimination on the basis of genetic data with respect to the availability of health insurance and employment. Therefore, any of the above stated information used for the purpose of downgrading health insurance and employment is covered under GINA.
