Several federal agencies have proposed new rules to safeguard patients’ genetic information.
The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and the Treasury have proposed a rule to ensure that genetic information is not used adversely in determining health care coverage.
HHS say its hopes that protecting genetic information encourages more individuals to participate in genetic testing, which can help better identify and prevent certain illnesses.
“Consumer confidence in genetic testing can now grow and help researchers get a better handle on the genetic basis of diseases,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius in announcing the proposed rule.