Disclosure to genetic relatives without consent - Australian genetic professionals' awareness of the health privacy law.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:When a genetic mutation is identified in a family member (proband), internationally, it is usually the proband's or another responsible family member's role to disclose the information to at-risk relatives. However, both active and passive non-disclosure in families occurs: choosing not to communicate the information or failing to communicate the information despite intention to do so, respectively. The ethical obligations to prevent harm to at-risk relatives and promote the duty of care by genetic health professionals (GHPs) is in conflict with Privacy laws and professional regulations that prohibits disclosure of information to a third party without the consent of the proband (duty of confidentiality). In New South Wales (NSW), Australia, amendments to Privacy legislation perm

SUBMITTER: Meggiolaro N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7001268 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature