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... the advent of genetic testing availability comes the responsibility of appropriate use of individual genetic information. Misuse of genetic information may revolve around privacy issues as they pertain to a person's medical record. Medical personnel must continue to be diligent about guarding the privacy of each patient's medical records. Misuse of genetic information also has the potential to implicate discriminatory practices among employers, potential employers and insurance companies (Gene Tests, 2004).
The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights must seek to actively enforce privacy statutes set forth by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA). At a clinical level, there is an expected degree of professional integrity to practice responsible medicine.
In the absence of safe or effective medical interventions, what obligations does the medical community have when predictive genetic testing can find inherited alterations that indicate an individual is at higher risk for disease? (Collins, 1999). Clearly, regulatory policies with regard to integrating genetic testing, appropriate counseling, treatment options and informed consent need to be determined. Additionally, government agencies and programs like the National Eye Institute (NEI) and the National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) must continue public outreach programs that promote educational objectives and reduce access issues to at-risk populations. Under the auspices of the NEHEP, the NEI serves as the lead agency for the Healthy People 2010 vision objectives (National Eye Health Education Program, 2004).
Finally, the government should continue to support and expand research objectives through the National Plan for Eye and Vision Research. Developing a comprehensive website for sharing, integrating and coordinating all genetic and genomic databases will allow the rapid availability and dissemination of information to the research community (Glaucoma and Optic Neuropathies Program, 2004). Conclusion The field of ophthalmology and glaucoma in particular, holds much promise for preventive and treatment modality improvement in the future. While current therapies only attempt to lower and control intraocular pressure (Shaarway, 2004), future therapies will impact directly on the bio mechanisms involved at the cellular, molecular and genetic levels. The promise of the future has the potential to improve secondary and tertiary prevention. With more advances in molecular genetics, the day will come when gene therapy and primary prevention of glaucoma will be a reality (Gupta, 2005).
As genetic discoveries continue to raise questions about the legal, ethical, and social implications of its use, the governmental agencies responsible for the nation's health administration will need to initiate and continually evaluate health policies that reflect the best health interests of our nation's people. References American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2004). Basic clinical science course (Section 10) Introduction to glaucoma: terminology, epidemiology, and heredity. Anderson, K. N. , Anderson, L. E. , Glance, W.
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Research essay sample on Genetic Testing Higher Risk
