Nutritional genomics poses an interesting scenario for registered dietitians (RDs)
with regard to client privacy. Clients interested in having their genetic test results
interpreted in light of their diet and lifestyle habits may be on referral from a
physician or may have ordered a nutritional genomic test independent of a physician—sometimes
for reasons of privacy. As genomics is integrated into nutrition practice, RDs will
increasingly confront situations in which they will have to be mindful of privacy
laws and ethical obligations with respect to the bounds of personal privacy. In addition
to conventional charting practices, electronic health records (EHRs) are increasingly
being used to store client data, including genetic information. With the integration
of genomics and EHRs into dietetics practice, RDs will need to be more acutely aware
of the professional and legal obligations to protect client privacy.
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References
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Article info
Footnotes
D. Castle is a Canada Research Chair in Science and Society and associate professor of Philosophy, University of Ottawa. R. DeBusk is a geneticist and registered dietitian in practice in Tallahassee, FL.
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© 2008 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
