Privacy and Risks

Clinical reports are confidential and are protected by privacy laws. Reports are released only to the healthcare providers listed on the test requisition form and to other medical professionals with the explicit written consent of the patient. Patients are entitled to a copy of their results, which can be requested with the same type of written consent for release of records. Health insurers typically have access to genetic test results for which a patient is covered, and there may be concerns of discrimination. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (http://www.genome.gov/10002328) provides some protections against genetic discrimination by health insurers and employers but does not protect against discrimination in life, disability, and long-term care insurance. The military may use genetic information to determine fitness for duty.