Understanding GINA through case examples: A guide for US-based genetic counselors

Misha Rashkin; Anya Prince

doi:10.1002/jgc4.70168

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Understanding GINA through case examples: A guide for US-based genetic counselors

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Understanding GINA through case examples: A guide for US-based genetic counselors

Misha Rashkin and Anya Prince

Journal of genetic counseling, Vol.35(1), e70168

02/2026

DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.70168

PMID: 41546163

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https://doi.org/10.1002/jgc4.70168View

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Abstract

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) is a well-known law within the genetic counseling community. Most genetic counselors are familiar with its major provisions, including prohibiting genetic discrimination in health insurance and employment. Nevertheless, clinical scenarios often arise for which genetic counselors were not specifically trained. Anchoring ourselves in clinical case examples, this article provides a brief guide to GINA contextualized in specific scenarios where misunderstandings of the law on the part of the genetics professional and patients are likely. This paper focuses on the legal context of the United States. The scenarios discuss state laws that have been passed to strengthen GINA's protections since GINA was passed, as well as GINA's relationship with military service members, GINA's interactions with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and stipulations on lowering insurance premiums. This paper also summarizes advice for discussing the possibility of discrimination for life, disability, or long-term care insurance with patients, as well as questions to consider when assessing state laws. The intention of this paper is not to provide legal advice or address specific situations, but to provide commentary that can be used by genetics professionals, in collaboration with privacy/compliance colleagues, to establish practices and policies, reflective of their hospital policies, state, and federal law.

United States

Case Reports as Topic

Genetic Counseling - legislation & jurisprudence

Genetic Privacy - legislation & jurisprudence

Humans

Legislation, Medical

Practice Guidelines as Topic

Public Nondiscrimination Policies

UIOWA OA Agreement

Details

Title: Subtitle: Understanding GINA through case examples: A guide for US-based genetic counselors
Creators: Misha Rashkin - Stanford Health Care
Anya Prince - University of Iowa, Law Faculty
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of genetic counseling, Vol.35(1), e70168
DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.70168
PMID: 41546163
ISSN: 1059-7700
eISSN: 1573-3599
Publisher: Wiley
Language: English
Date published: 02/2026
Academic Unit: Law Faculty
Record Identifier: 9985156728002771

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