What should a nurse emphasize to a patient concerned about genetic testing and its ramifications?

What should a nurse emphasize to a patient concerned about genetic testing and its ramifications?

• A. Employers are allowed to use genetic information for promotion
• B. Employers have no access to genetic information
• C. GINA prevents misuse of genetic information by employers
• D. Genetic testing results are always confidential

Answer: (C)

The focus on the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) is crucial when discussing genetic testing with patients. GINA is a federal law that protects individuals from discrimination based on their genetic information by health insurers and employers. This means that employers cannot use genetic test results to determine hiring, firing, or promotion decisions. Emphasizing GINA reassures patients that their genetic information will not negatively impact their employment status or health insurance coverage, alleviating some of their concerns about undergoing genetic testing. In light of patients' worries, it's beneficial to discuss GINA as it also reinforces the importance of seeking genetic testing for better personal and familial health outcomes, knowing there are protections in place. This support can encourage patients to consider testing without the fear of repercussions in the workplace.

The focus on the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) is crucial when discussing genetic testing with patients. GINA is a federal law that protects individuals from discrimination based on their genetic information by health insurers and employers. This means that employers cannot use genetic test results to determine hiring, firing, or promotion decisions. Emphasizing GINA reassures patients that their genetic information will not negatively impact their employment status or health insurance coverage, alleviating some of their concerns about undergoing genetic testing.

In light of patients' worries, it's beneficial to discuss GINA as it also reinforces the importance of seeking genetic testing for better personal and familial health outcomes, knowing there are protections in place. This support can encourage patients to consider testing without the fear of repercussions in the workplace.