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Genetic Information Firewall

Meaning

A Genetic Information Firewall is a conceptual and technical security construct designed to isolate and protect a patient’s highly sensitive genetic data from unauthorized access, misuse, or inappropriate linkage to other health records. This firewall ensures that genetic testing results, which carry significant privacy implications for the individual and their family, are handled with the highest level of security and access control. Its implementation is a direct response to the requirements of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) and the overarching need for medical privacy. This barrier is essential for maintaining patient trust in personalized genomic medicine.