Genetic testing should be done only with client consent. Confidentiality regarding an individual's genetic information must be protected by policy, but most states do not have safeguards at this time. The limits of confidentiality must be spelled out clearly to the client to ensure he or she makes a fully informed choice concerning testing. Social workers also must advocate for insurance coverage of genetic counseling and testing. Without this coverage, access to testing will be limited to people of superior financial means, thus depriving poorer people from gaining valuable genetic information.
Social workers promote social justice and social change with and on behalf of clients.
Currently technology is available that can identify a person's predisposition to genetic conditions. Much less is known about prevention or cure. In the future, genetic tests will be used much as medical tests are used today, for diagnosis and treatment, prevention, or cure. During the current critical interim period, clients will benefit from a clear understanding of the limitations of our current knowledge of genetic disorders and treatment options. Social workers are beginning to respond to the challenges of this interim period by striving to ensure the preservation of the rights of individuals receiving genetic counseling and the development of appropriate psychosocial and health care services and interventions.