Posted: July 21st, 2024

Integration of Genetics and Genomics into Ethical Nursing Practice

NUR3306CBE Section 01CBE Integration of Genetics and Genomics into Ethical Nursing Practice (11 Weeks) – CBE Online Course – 2024 Summer Quarter
Deliverable 5 – Policy Influences on Healthcare Decisions
Assignment Content
1.
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:
o Describe the concern for genetic discrimination, including a background of the genetic condition and the specific issue at risk for discrimination
o Compare current federal and state policies (legislation) that impact genetic or genomic issues
o Analyze professional nursing policies that address ethical advocacy for the selected genetic or genomic issue
o 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:
o Writing Guide: Professional & Academic E-Communications
o APA Guide
o Nursing Research Page
o How do I know if a source is credible?
o Need assistance with research? Ask a Librarian!

• A – 4 – Mastery
Comprehensive description of the genetic discrimination, including a background of the genetic condition and the specific problem resulting in the client’s risk for discrimination, supported with outstanding rationales, examples and evidence from credible sources.
0
B – 3 – Proficiency
Sufficient description of the genetic discrimination, including a background of the genetic condition and the specific problem resulting in the client’s risk for discrimination, supported with satisfactory rationales, examples and evidence from credible sources.
0
C – 2 – Competence
Acceptable description of the genetic discrimination, including a background of the genetic condition and the specific problem resulting in the client’s risk for discrimination, supported with some rationales, examples and evidence from credible sources.
0
F – 1 – No Pass
Attempts to describe genetic discrimination, including a background of the genetic condition and the specific problem resulting in the client’s risk for discrimination, supported with minimal rationales, examples and evidence from credible sources.
0
I – 0 – Not Submitted
Not Submitted
0
• Criterion 2
0% of total grade
A – 4 – Mastery
Comprehensive comparison of current federal or state policies that impact the genetic or genomic issues supported with outstanding rationales, examples and evidence from credible sources.
0
B – 3 – Proficiency
Sufficient comparison of current federal or state policies that impact the genetic or genomic issues supported with satisfactory rationales, examples and evidence from credible sources.
0
C – 2 – Competence
Acceptable comparison of current federal or state policies that impact the genetic or genomic issues supported with some rationales, examples and evidence from credible sources.
0
F – 1 – No Pass
Attempts to compare current federal or state policies that impact the genetic or genomic issues supported with minimal rationales, examples and evidence from credible sources.
0
I – 0 – Not Submitted
Not Submitted
0
• Criterion 3
0% of total grade
A – 4 – Mastery
Comprehensive analysis of professional nursing policies that address ethical advocacy for genetic or genomic issues supported with outstanding rationales, examples and evidence from credible sources.
0
B – 3 – Proficiency
Sufficient analysis of professional nursing policies that address ethical advocacy for genetic or genomic issues supported with satisfactory rationales, examples and evidence from credible sources.
0
C – 2 – Competence
Acceptable analysis of professional nursing policies that address ethical advocacy for genetic or genomic issues supported with some rationales, examples and evidence from credible sources.
0
F – 1 – No Pass
Attempts to analyze professional nursing policies that address ethical advocacy for genetic or genomic issues supported with minimal rationales, examples and evidence from credible sources.
0
I – 0 – Not Submitted
Not Submitted
0
• Criterion 4
0% of total grade
A – 4 – Mastery
Formal style is demonstrated throughout the professional letter, including no spelling, grammar, or APA format errors.
0
B – 3 – Proficiency
Formal style is demonstrated throughout most of the professional letter, with minor spelling, grammar, or APA format errors.
0
C – 2 – Competence
Formal style is demonstrated in some parts of the professional letter but not maintained throughout. Some spelling, grammar, or APA format errors present.
0
F – 1 – No Pass
Lack of formal style in the professional letter. Numerous spelling, grammar, or APA format errors are present.
0
I – 0 – Not Submitted
Not Submitted
========================
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP Code]

[Date]

The Honorable [Legislator’s Name] [Office Address] [City, State ZIP Code]

Dear [Senator/Representative] [Last Name],

As a registered nurse and member of the American Nurses Association (ANA), I am writing to address the critical issue of genetic discrimination and its impact on healthcare decisions. The rapid advancements in genetic testing and genomic medicine have brought immense potential for improving patient care. However, they have also raised concerns about the misuse of genetic information, potentially leading to discrimination in various aspects of life, including healthcare and employment.

Genetic discrimination occurs when individuals are treated differently because of their genetic information. A prime example is Huntington’s disease, an inherited disorder causing progressive brain damage. Individuals with a family history of this condition may face discrimination if their genetic predisposition becomes known, even before they exhibit any symptoms. This discrimination can manifest as denial of health insurance coverage, limited job opportunities, or social stigma.

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2008 represents a significant federal policy addressing this issue. GINA prohibits health insurers and employers from discriminating based on genetic information. However, its scope is limited. For instance, it does not cover life, disability, or long-term care insurance (Rothstein, 2017). Some states have enacted more comprehensive laws to fill these gaps. California, for example, has extended protections to life and disability insurance through the California Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (CalGINA).

Despite these protections, challenges persist. A study by Hudson and Clayton (2018) found that fear of genetic discrimination continues to influence individuals’ decisions about genetic testing, potentially hindering the progress of precision medicine. Furthermore, Li and Fullerton (2020) highlight that the rapid evolution of genetic technologies often outpaces legislative responses, creating potential loopholes in existing protections.

Professional nursing policies also play a crucial role in addressing genetic discrimination. The ANA’s Code of Ethics for Nurses (2023) emphasizes the nurse’s responsibility to protect patient privacy and confidentiality, which extends to genetic information. Provision 3 of the Code states, “The nurse promotes, advocates for, and protects the rights, health, and safety of the patient.” This ethical mandate compels nurses to advocate against genetic discrimination and for policies that safeguard patients’ genetic information.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Nurse Practice Act (2021) further reinforces this ethical obligation by emphasizing the nurse’s role in patient advocacy and protection. Nurses are expected to understand and comply with laws and regulations related to patient privacy, including those pertaining to genetic information.

Given these considerations, I urge you to support and introduce legislation that:

Expands the scope of GINA to include life, disability, and long-term care insurance.

Increases funding for public education about genetic discrimination and existing protections.

Establishes more robust penalties for violations of genetic privacy laws.

Supports ongoing research into the societal impacts of genetic testing and discrimination.

By taking these steps, we can ensure that the promise of genetic medicine is realized without compromising individual rights and protections. As healthcare professionals, we have a duty to advocate for policies that protect our patients and promote equitable access to the benefits of genetic advancements.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further and provide any additional information you may need.

Sincerely,

[Your Name] [Your Credentials]

References:

American Nurses Association (ANA). (2023). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. Silver Spring, MD: Author.

Hudson, K. L., & Clayton, E. W. (2018). Genetic discrimination and employment: A review of the evidence. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C: Seminars in Medical Genetics and Genomics, 180(1), 6-15.

Li, X., & Fullerton, J. (2020). Genetic discrimination in the era of precision medicine: A review of US law and policy. Journal of Law and the Biosciences, 7(1), lsaa006.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). (2021). Nurse practice act. Chicago, IL: Author.

Rothstein, M. A. (2017). Genetic information and health insurance: A decade after GINA. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 45(1), 10-21.

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