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Legislation on direct-to-consumer genetic testing in seven European countries

Pascal Borry, P. and van Hellemondt, R. E. and Sprumont, D. and Fittipaldi Duarte Jales, C. and Rial-Sebbag, E. and Spranger, T. M. and Curren, L. and Kaye, J. and Nys, H. and Howard, H. C.. (2012) Legislation on direct-to-consumer genetic testing in seven European countries. European journal of human genetics, Vol. 20, H. 7. pp. 715-721.

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Official URL: http://edoc.unibas.ch/dok/A6070733

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Abstract

An increasing number of private companies are now offering direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing services. Although a lot of attention has been devoted to the regulatory framework of DTC genetic testing services in the USA, only limited information about the regulatory framework in Europe is available. We will report on the situation with regard to the national legislation on DTC genetic testing in seven European countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Portugal, France, Germany, the United Kingdom). The paper will address whether these countries have legislation that specifically address the issue of DTC genetic testing or have relevant laws that is pertinent to the regulatory control of these services in their countries. The findings show that France, Germany, Portugal and Switzerland have specific legislation that defines that genetic tests can only be carried out by a medical doctor after the provision of sufficient information concerning the nature, meaning and consequences of the genetic test and after the consent of the person concerned. In the Netherlands, some DTC genetic tests could fall under legislation that provides the Minister the right to refuse to provide a license to operate if a test is scientifically unsound, not in accordance with the professional medical practice standards or if the expected benefit is not in balance with the (potential) health risks. Belgium and the United Kingdom allow the provision of DTC genetic tests.
Faculties and Departments:08 Cross-disciplinary Subjects > Ethik > Institut für Bio- und Medizinethik > Bio- und Medizinethik (Elger)
03 Faculty of Medicine > Departement Public Health > Ethik in der Medizin > Bio- und Medizinethik (Elger)
UniBasel Contributors:Howard, Heidi
Item Type:Article, refereed
Article Subtype:Research Article
Publisher:Nature Publishing Group
ISSN:1018-4813
Note:Publication type according to Uni Basel Research Database: Journal article
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Last Modified:21 Jun 2013 12:29
Deposited On:21 Jun 2013 12:27

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