Genetic Testing Stephanie Fuqua Scott Hoedt Nelson Jean Ryan McMunn Erin Moore Brian Yasuzawa
What is Genetic Testing? The analysis of human DNA, RNA, chromosomes, proteins, and certain metabolites in order to detect heritable disease-related genotypes, mutations, phenotypes, pr karyotypes for clinical purposes
Two Types of Genetic Testing Genetic Screening examines genetic makeup for specified inherited characteristics to detect heritable conditions Genetic Monitoring determines whether an individuals genetic makeup has changed over time due to hazardous workplace environments
What is it Used For? To predict risk of disease, identifying carriers, and establishing prenatal and clinical diagnosis or prognosis Find genetic information about pre-dispositions for occupational illnesses Firms can use this information to keep certain people out of the workplace to lower costs of sick days and health benefits
What Else is it Used For? Make the workplace safer for employees with a genetic predisposition
Reasons Against Genetic Testing Invasion of Privacy and Confidentiality many people do not want the information about themselves and their blood relatives available to everyone, as of now employers have the same access to genetic test results as they do to other medical records. Discrimination information may be used to avoid hiring or even for firing
Reasons Against Genetic Testing Commercially Available many who order tests do not know how to interpret the results Not FDA Approved no government oversight or quality control, with questionable accuracy and reliability
Reasons Against Genetic Testing Expensive to Employer Hiring should be based on ability rather than possible long term costs to the company
Reasons For Genetic Testing Employer should be allowed to test for effects of substances that may be found in the workplace to ensure worker safety Decreased insurance costs
Current Laws February 8, 2002 - President Clinton signed an executive order prohibiting federal departments and agencies from using genetic information in any hiring or promotion action prohibits requiring or requesting tests provides strong privacy protection for medical treatment and research
Current Laws In March of 1995, the EEOC issued a new interpretation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) stating that companies that discriminate on the basis of genetic pre-dispositions are regarding the individuals as having impairments and they are thus covered by the ADA
Current Laws Most laws have been made at the state level currently 28 states have specific laws that ban genetic testing There are currently no federal laws that prohibit employers from requesting genetic tests or information from employees