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Archiver > GENEALOGY-DNA > 2007-11 > 1195231125


From: Bonnie Schrack <>
Subject: Re: [DNA] Press release: deCODEme to offer test of a million SNPs
Date: Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:38:45 -0500


On second reading I do note that Ann stated,
> Rats! Certain states are limiting consumer access to the /*genetic risk
> calculations*/ from the genome scan. These are Arizona, California, Connecticut,
> Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Wyoming.
>

It sounds like they aren't talking about prohibiting the test itself,
but about not allowing deCODE to give medical genetic *risk
calculations*. There may be laws or regulations about requiring all
medical genetic test results to be accompanied by genetic counseling (by
a licensed professional). However, in practice, I bet this would be
very difficult to enforce over the Internet. As Orin pointed out, one
could give the address of a friend or relative in another state, right?
And I haven't heard that DNADirect (one of the most respected companies
selling medial genetic tests directly to the consumer, through the
Internet), for example, has had any restrictions placed on them by any
of the states. They do provide genetic counseling, but not all their
competitors do; those other companies are still not prevented from doing
business, though the medical profession and the genetic counselors would
very much like to ban their services.

Bonnie

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