The court concluded that a physician or therapist has a duty to warn if: (1) he or she has a special relationship with either the person who may cause the harm or the potential victim, (2) the person at risk is identifiable, and (3)
the harm is foreseeable and serious
.
Do physicians have a duty to warn?
It is increasingly recognized that a
physician has the responsibility to warn patients of dangers involved in their care
. Failure to advise the patient of known, reasonably foreseeable dangers leaves the physician open to liability for harm the patient suffers and injuries that patient may cause to third parties.
Do physicians have a legal or ethical obligation to warn at risk family members?
The court concluded that a physician or therapist has a duty to warn if: (1) he or she has a special relationship with either the person who may cause the harm or the potential victim, (2) the person at risk is identifiable, and (3)
the harm is foreseeable and serious
.
What are some possible ethical concerns regarding genetic screening?
Second, the risks of genetic testing may not be obvious because the primary risks are psychological, social, and financial. The psychosocial risks include
guilt, anxiety, impaired self-esteem, social stigma
, and insurance and employment discrimination. Third, genetic information often has limited predictive power.
Does a patient have the right to use the genetic information on members of her direct lineage family members?
Patients must give their informed consent before undergoing whole-genome sequencing or any other genetic test. But
there are no laws that restrict what patients can do
with their own genetic information, or that require patients’ family members to be involved in the consent process.
Is there an obligation by a person to inform their family members of their genetic test results?
The genetic information is private and the
physician has a duty not to convey it to family members
. A second possible approach recognizes the importance of preserving professional confidentiality but also the moral necessity of warning family members.
Why genetic testing is bad?
Some disadvantages, or risks, that come from genetic testing can include:
Testing may increase your stress and anxiety
.
Results in some cases may return inconclusive or uncertain
.
Negative impact on family and personal relationships
.
These include
respect for privacy
; autonomy; personal best interest; responsibility for the genetic health of future children; maximising social best interest/minimising serious social harm; the reproductive liberty of individuals; genetic justice; cost effectiveness; solidarity/mutual aid, and respect for difference.
What are examples of ethical considerations?
- Informed consent.
- Voluntary participation.
- Do no harm.
- Confidentiality.
- Anonymity.
- Only assess relevant components.
Researchers argue data sharing would
lead to faster
, more trustworthy evidence for many pressing health problems. … The free and open sharing of information on genetic variations and their effects on patients is the only way that we can provide any semblance of genetic health care.
What are the risks involved in releasing genetic information?
Many of the risks associated with genetic testing involve the
emotional, social, or financial consequences of the test results
. People may feel angry, depressed, anxious, or guilty about their results.
Is Genetic Counseling in demand?
Employment of genetic counselors is
projected to grow 26 percent from 2020 to 2030
, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Can genetic testing be used against you?
Beyond policing, it’s possible DNA test results could be used against you or
your relatives
in other ways. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act prevents health care companies and employers from using genetic data to deny you employment or coverage.
Who should have access to genetic information about a person?
A clinical geneticist believes that if anyone is to own genetic information, it has to be
all those who have inherited it
and, more importantly, it must be available to all those who might be at risk.
What diseases can be detected through genetic testing?
- Intro. (Image credit: Danil Chepko | Dreamstime) …
- Breast and ovarian cancer. …
- Celiac disease. …
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) …
- Bipolar disorder. …
- Obesity. …
- Parkinson’s disease. …
- Psoriasis.
