Impact of genetic privacy legislation on insurer behavior.

摘要: THE LA ST HA LF-CEN TU RY has seen an explosion of knowledge about the genetic basis disease: over 10,000 genes have been isolated (OMIM, 1999), and hundreds tests are clinically available. It was more than a 100 ago that Gregor Mendel described essential attributes inherited characteristics plants, which he called “particulate factors.” However, it not until turn 20th century word “gene” coined (by Danish biologist Wilhelm Johannsen, in 1909) to describe elements. The inheritance patterns traits observed were, 1940s, attributed DNA Avery, McLeod, McCarty), and, 1953, Watson Crick elucidated structure molecule. Continuing build on discoveries, scientists made great strides sequencing human genome understanding basic molecular processes all living things. Despite promises Human Genome Project others improve health presumably through gene therapy (Verma, 1997; Anderson, 1998), most widespread application discoveries is developm ent use diagnose or predict illness. Genetic information gleaned from provides only risk factors for disease onset, but may also provide inform ation immutable characteristics. tells part individual’ s profile. deal with probabilities percentages, generally certainties. For example, even if person positive particular mutation, they never develop associated though their doing so increased. cannot severity disease. Down’s Syndrome, easily discovered by chromosomal analysis, yet there no way degree mental physical disability child. And test can onset age Huntington’s (an adult-onset degenerative nerve disease). New almost every week, each holds possibility prediction. Tests available diseases ranging heritable breast cancer (associated mutations BRCA1 BRCA2), Fragile X Syndrom e (among common forms retardation males; Warren Nelson, 1994). One does choose be 30% likely get cancer, one live probabilitie s, possibilitie predictions testing. powerful ation, potentially useful institutions : military, law enforcemen t, employers, insurers, biotechnolo gy pharmaceu tical companies, researchers , educational courts, governmen others. Although attempts regulate these areas, longest-run ning policy focus insurer informatio n. This study examines impact legislation n, as eyes insurance commissioner.