Direct-To-Consumer Advertising And Provision Of Genetic Testing - American Medical Association

Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: Genetics;  Regulatory Affairs / Drug Approvals
Article Date: 19 Jun 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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The American Medical Association (AMA), the nation's largest physician group, voted at its Annual Meeting to adopt the following new policy.

More than 1400 genetic tests are available for purchase directly from consumers, without a prescription or any involvement from a health care professional.

A new set of policy recommendations were adopted today to protect patients who may use a direct-to-consumer genetic test. Among the recommendations are, that genetic testing be carried out under the supervision of a qualified health care professional, that appropriate organizations be encouraged to develop criteria for the advertising of DTC genetic tests, and that physicians are provided with more information on the types of genetic tests available so that patients can be appropriately counseled on the potential harms.

"The availability of direct-to-consumer genetic tests is increasing as advances in genetic research reveal the association between genes and disease," said AMA Board Member William Hazel, M.D. "Encouraging all genetic testing to require supervision by a qualified health care professional, ensures they are being properly used and the results are being accurately interpreted and understood by patients."

American Medical Association
http://www.ama-assn.org