Genetic testing regulations needed
I have been working lately with the Genetic Alliance to formulate priorities for their action. The group serves as advocates for patients with a wide variety of genetic conditions. As part of their work, the Genetic Alliance recently sent the following letter:
Letter to CMS Administrator Mark McClellan regarding genetic testing quality
February 28, 2006
Dear Dr. McClellan:
On behalf of the Genetic Alliance board of directors, I am writing to urge you to issue proposed regulations for a genetic testing specialty under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) of 1988.
As knowledge of genetics continues to grow and the number of genetic tests made available to consumers increases, the U.S. government has an obligation to maintain a regulatory framework that ensures the safety and utility of the tests being conducted without limiting the accessibility of those tests. To this end, in 2000 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Notice of Intent indicating that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) would be issuing a proposed rule based on stakeholders’ comments received and elucidated by the CDC. More than five years later, no such rule has been issued, and the genetic testing specialty that was recommended has not been established.Â
The Genetic Alliance board of directors believes that the establishment of a genetic testing specialty under CLIA is a necessary first step toward a regulatory system that encourages new technology and ensures safety and accuracy when those technologies are implemented. Since the CDC issued its Notice of Intent more than five years ago, the number of genetic tests available has increased substantially. Today, there are more than 900 diseases for which genetic tests are clinically available, several hundred used in research, and even more in various stages of development. Without a genetic testing specialty, CLIA cannot adequately ensure that consumers receive genetic testing services that are safe, accurate, and clinically useful.
I urge CMS to act quickly by issuing proposed regulations for a genetic testing specialty under CLIA. I welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss these issues in further detail.
Sincerely,
Sharon F. Terry, M.A.
President and CEO
 There are two key aspects to testing quality: 1) performing the tests accurately and within established regulations and 2) having tests that actually test what they say they're testing. The first aspect is addressed by the letter above. The second aspect, developing and making tests available for both rare and common genetic conditions, is also an Alliance focus.
If you're interested in the activities of the Genetic Alliance, check out their website at: http://www.geneticalliance.org/. Â
Marie Godfrey, PhDÂ