U.K. Human Genetics Commission Proposes Principles for DTC Genetic Testing Services
Last month, the Human Genetics Commission, the U.K. government’s genetics advisory body, issued for public comment a “Common Framework of Principles” for direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing services. The Principles are derived from earlier reports by the Commission (Genes Direct (2003) (pdf) and More Genes Direct (2007) (pdf)) and seek to:
…promote high standards and consistency in the provision of direct-to-consumer genetic tests among commercial providers at an international level in order to protect the interests of people seeking genetic tests and their families.
The Principles, which are ambitious in scope and detailed in their recommendations, represent an important next step in the ongoing debate over the appropriate level of oversight for the emerging DTC genetic testing industry.
Published in draft form, the Principles provide ample room for analysis, and companies and consumers are invited to provide responses and comments until December 6th, 2009.
In this post we take a close look at the draft Principles and summarize the core values and goals that appear to underlie these recommendations.
