PURPOSE: To explain the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), what it covers, and what it does not cover to aid primary care practitioners in advising their patients. DATA SOURCES: Governmental agencies, congressional records, and various nongovernmental agencies, press releases, and journal articles. CONCLUSIONS: The GINA will protect patients from employment and insurance information in multiple ways. However, loopholes exist which will need to be addressed at the next review of the Act in 6 years. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: In order to provide accurate information regarding genetic testing, clinicians need to be familiar with key factors about GINA regarding law, practice, impact on patients and their rights in terms of genetic testing.
