Final answer:
The goals of GINA (Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act) are to prevent genetic discrimination by health insurers and employers, ensuring people are not judged or discriminated against based on their genetic makeup.
Step-by-step explanation:
GINA's Patient-Oriented Goals
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) has the primary goal of preventing genetic discrimination in health insurance and employment. This significant legislation was passed as a safeguard against the potential misuse of genetic information, which could lead to discrimination based on an individual's genetic predispositions. GINA ensures that individuals are not denied employment or health insurance coverage based on their genetic makeup. This acts as a protection against unauthorized use of genetic data and supports the notion that such information should not play a role in personal opportunities or health coverage decisions.
It's essential to understand that while GINA was developed in the context of innovations in genetic research, such as those coming from the Human Genome Project (HGP), it is aligned with previous legislation like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) which also protects personal health information. GINA's goals are thus to ensure that advancements in medical knowledge and genetic testing are not used to discriminate, but rather to support patient well-being and equity in healthcare and the workplace.