Question

In the practice of genetics, the duty to warn at-risk relatives can be in conflict with which federal regulation?

A Federal privacy act
B Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
C Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations
D Fair Credit Reporting Act
E The Gramm-Leach-Bliley (GLB) Act

Answer 1

The duty to warn at-risk relatives in genetics can conflict with HIPAA regulations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The duty to warn at-risk relatives in genetics can be in conflict with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

HIPAA was passed in 1996 and protects against unauthorized release of individually identifiable health information to entities not actively providing healthcare to a patient. This includes genetic information, and it prohibits health insurance companies and workplaces from engaging in genetic discrimination.

Thus, the duty to warn at-risk relatives may come into conflict with HIPAA regulations when it involves the sharing of genetic information without the patient's consent.