What Constitutes The Collection Of Genetic Information?
GINA prohibits a group health plan or a group health insurance issuer from collecting genetic information from an individual or a family member for the purposes of restricting enrollment in a group health plan or for purposes of determining the amounts to be charged to either the individual or the group for coverage or benefits. The word “collect” was not defined in GINA. The regulations broadly define “collect” to mean, with respect to genetic information, to request, require, or purchase such information. Genetic information includes information about an individual’s genetic tests (such as DNA, RNA, chromosome, protein or metabolites tests, if the tests detect genotypes, mutations or chromosomal changes), genetic services (for example, counseling, education and the interpretation of genetic information), and manifestation of a disease or disorder by a family member (for example, genetic information that might be learned from family medical history). Genetic information does not inclu
