American Medical Association Adopts New Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Testing Policy Recommendations

14 Aug 2008
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/118231.php

At its June 17 annual meeting, the American Medical Association (AMA), the largest physician group in the United States, adopted policy recommendations opposing direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing. The recommendations state that a health care professional should be involved in the genetic-testing process, and encourages individuals interested in obtaining genetic testing to contact a health care professional.

Prior to these recommendations, the AMA had more general policies discouraging DTC genetic testing. At its 2007 annual meeting, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Massachusetts Delegation introduced a resolution asking the AMA to study the issue. AMA members voted to adopt the resolution. Subsequently, AMA staff reviewed the state of DTC testing, and presented a report with recommendations at the AMA annual meeting. The new recommendations note that DTC genetic testing is available, and make it clear that the AMA believes that it is necessary for genetic tests to be carried out under the supervision of a health care professional.

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