Oral

There have long been ethical concerns about the appropriate use and application of genetic information. As technology speeds the ability to identify correlations between specific genetic variants and health conditions, ancestry, and traits, the use of genetic information is becoming more widespread. This session explores the ethical issues that arise in some of the new areas in which genetic information is being used for the first time and with populations that have not previously been exposed. The size and scope of the populations impacted by the use of genetic information as the basis for policies raises issues of discrimination and identity. Presentations will explore policies using genetic testing to inform immigration decisions related to family reunification and the awareness and use of sickle cell testing for NCAA athletes. The relative ease of genetic testing has helped to expand the scope of its application into patient populations not previously approached. This raises concern about recruiting vulnerable populations and awareness of potential ethical issues within those recruiting for research. Presentations explore the issues of recruiting participants with critical illnesses and nurses involvement in developing biobanks.

Session Objectives: •Describe policies that are incorporating genetic information to inform decisions •Discuss the ethical issues significant for new applications of genetic information •Compare the populations impacted by use of genetic information

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)