Genetic Discrimination and health care

What's the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)?

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, also referred to as GINA, is a new federal law that protects Americans from being treated unfairly because of differences in their DNA that may affect their health. The new law prevents discrimination from health insurers and employers. The President signed the act into federal law on May 21, 2008. The parts of the law relating to health insurers will take effect by May 2009, and those relating to employers will take effect by November 2009.

What's genetic discrimination?

Genetic discrimination occurs if people are treated unfairly because of differences in their DNA that increase their chances of getting a certain disease. For example, a health insurer might refuse to give coverage to a woman who has a DNA difference that raises her odds of getting breast cancer. Employers also could use DNA information to decide whether to hire or fire workers.

Comments

Cancer Survivors

Just read a story about one woman's cancer experience. I bet everyone has a story about what goes through your mind when you are told you have cancer. Her thought were about her stunned family members, one crying and the other in shock. I bet there are quite a few stories that could be qualitatively studied. Those experiences could help nurses better help patients during this time.

Prevalence and Spectrum of Germline Cancer Susceptibility Gene Mutations Among Patients With Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer

Key Points Question What is the frequency and spectrum of cancer susceptibility gene mutations among patients with colorectal cancer diagnosed at younger than 50 years? Findings In this cohort study of 450 patients with early-onset colorectal cancer, 72 (16%) had a pathogenic mutation. Panel testing identified mutations in patients that may have otherwise been missed; specifically, 24 of 72 patients (33.3%) who were mutation positive did not meet testing criteria for the gene(s) in which they had a mutation. Meaning Multigene panel testing should be considered for all patients with early-onset colorectal cancer. Read More: Prevalence and Spectrum of Gene Mutations and Colorectal Cancer

This is my one thing I can do to prevent one person from a bad outcome

My one thing is to get the message out to people who say colon cancer runs in my family....if so you need to follow through with your doctor or genetic clinic to be evaluated for hereditary colon cancer. http://www.nursingtimes.net/forums-blogs-ideas-debate/nursing-blogs/all-nurses-need-to-make-one-change-to-improve-patient-safety/5005181.article?referrer=RSS All nurses need to make one change to improve patient safety 14 August, 2009 By Suzette Woodward Suzette Woodward on how to implement just one change to aid patient safety On 3 July the health select committee published the findings of its review into patient safety over the past nine months. While this could be seen as just another report on the subject it sharply reminds us of the things we still need to do to ensure the safety of patients in the NHS. For those of us who work in this field it is an opportunity to raise the profile of patient safety and a reminder of the daunting journey we still have to make. Someone reminded m...

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