Legal issues associated with genetics

With the evolution of genetic research, legal issues have emerged related to the health care delivery industry and the protection of patient information. The use of genetics or genetic enhancement expands the role of the nurse and also brings a new perspective to the nurse-patient relationship. Nurses now must discern their role in relation to patient privacy and confidentiality. In addition to reviewing the ethical and legal dilemmas of registered nurses in clinical practice, the nursing profession must review the level of responsibility appropriate when using genetic and or experimental treatments, especially when the nurse is not the primary care provider or the leader of the research team. Nurses will have to delve into privacy and confidentiality issues associated with genetic research. Although little case law exists on the relationship of nursing to genetic research and treatments, the implications of experimental research and policy associated with genetics must be analyzed to better understand their impact on the scope of nursing practice.