Competency
Differentiate the legal and professional policies influencing healthcare decisions.
Student Success Criteria
View the grading rubric for this deliverable by selecting the “This item is graded with a rubric” link, which is located in the Details & Information pane.
Scenario
You recently joined American Nurses Association and volunteered to serve on a committee focused on health policy issues. A policy topic of concern for this committee is genetic discrimination. You offered to write a letter to your national legislator in your voting district addressing legal and professional policies associated with genetic discrimination.
Instructions
Write a professional letter to your legislator demonstrating advocacy for legal and professional policies that protect individuals from genetic discrimination.
In this letter, include the following information:
· Describe the concern for genetic discrimination, including a background of the genetic condition and the specific issue at risk for discrimination
· Compare current federal and state policies (legislation) that impact genetic or genomic issues
· Analyze professional nursing policies that address ethical advocacy for the selected genetic or genomic issue
· All content must be supported by providing rationales, examples and evidence from credible sources
Assessment Requirements/Submission Requirement:
Professional Letter
Resources
For assistance in writing a professional letter, please visit the Library and Learning Services Answers page: How do I write a professional letter?
For additional writing and research support, please visit the following Library and Learning Services resources:
· Writing Guide: Professional & Academic E-Communications
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
The Honorable [Legislator’s Name]
[Office Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Legislator’s Name],
I am writing to you as a concerned constituent and a member of the American Nurses Association to bring attention to the critical issue of genetic discrimination. This letter aims to advocate for robust legal and professional policies to protect individuals from discrimination based on their genetic information.
### Concern for Genetic Discrimination
Genetic discrimination occurs when individuals are treated unfairly because of differences in their DNA that may affect their health. This issue particularly impacts those who have or may develop genetic conditions, which are often beyond their control. For instance, individuals carrying the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, associated with a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancers, may face discrimination in employment and insurance coverage despite being otherwise healthy. The risk of such discrimination not only affects the individuals’ mental and emotional well-being but also deters many from undergoing potentially life-saving genetic testing.
### Comparison of Federal and State Policies
Currently, the primary federal legislation addressing genetic discrimination is the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2008. GINA prohibits discrimination based on genetic information in both health insurance and employment. It ensures that individuals cannot be denied health insurance or charged higher premiums based solely on their genetic information. Furthermore, employers cannot use genetic information in hiring, firing, job assignments, or promotions.
However, GINA has limitations. It does not cover life, disability, or long-term care insurance. Additionally, it does not apply to employers with fewer than 15 employees. Some states have enacted additional protections. For example, California’s Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (CalGINA) extends protections to housing, education, and public accommodations.
Despite these advances, gaps remain in both federal and state legislations that leave individuals vulnerable to genetic discrimination. More comprehensive policies are needed to cover all areas of potential discrimination, including life and disability insurance, and to protect employees in smaller workplaces.
### Professional Nursing Policies and Ethical Advocacy
The nursing profession holds a steadfast commitment to ethical advocacy for patients. The American Nurses Association’s (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses emphasizes the nurse’s role in advocating for the rights and well-being of patients, including the right to privacy and protection from discrimination. The ANA’s position statement on genetics and genomics underscores the importance of protecting genetic information and advocates for policies that prevent discrimination.
Nurses, as trusted healthcare providers, are in a unique position to witness firsthand the negative impacts of genetic discrimination. By championing the ethical principles of autonomy, confidentiality, and non-maleficence, nurses advocate for legislative measures that ensure comprehensive protection against genetic discrimination. This advocacy is critical in fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to undergo genetic testing without fear of repercussions.
### Rationale and Evidence
Evidence from credible sources supports the need for stronger protections against genetic discrimination. Studies have shown that fear of discrimination can deter individuals from participating in genetic testing and research, hindering advancements in personalized medicine (Hudson et al., 2019). Moreover, comprehensive protections can improve public health outcomes by encouraging proactive health management and early intervention for genetically predisposed conditions (National Human Genome Research Institute, 2020).
### Conclusion
I urge you to support and advocate for comprehensive legislation that addresses the gaps in current policies and provides robust protection against genetic discrimination. Such measures are crucial in ensuring that individuals can make informed decisions about their health without fear of unfair treatment. Your leadership in this area will help advance the rights and well-being of your constituents and contribute to a more equitable healthcare system.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue. I am available to discuss this matter further and provide any additional information you may require.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Credentials]
[Your Position]
[Healthcare Organization (if applicable)]
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### References
– Hudson, K., et al. (2019). Ethical and practical challenges to studying the impact of genetic information: The experience of the NHGRI Multiplex Initiative. *American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C: Seminars in Medical Genetics, 178*(1), 17-24. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.c.31634
– National Human Genome Research Institute. (2020). Genomic Data Sharing Policy. Retrieved from https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/policy-issues/Genomic-Data-Sharing
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### Resources for Writing Professional Letters
– **Writing Guide: Professional & Academic E-Communications**: [Library Link]
– **APA Guide**: [Library Link]
– **Nursing Research Page**: [Library Link]
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