A new law in Montana adjusts its genetic privacy rules for CLIA-regulated laboratories.
Why it matters: This change resolves a significant conflict in which labs were previously required to destroy genetic samples upon patient request, potentially violating federal specimen retention standards.
- What they’re saying: The CAP, the Montana Medical Association, and the Montana Society of Pathologists advocated for this adjustment to ensure labs can comply with federal regulations while respecting patient rights.
What’s next: Laboratories must update their compliance protocols by October 1, when the new standards take effect.
Read the bill: Passage of Senate Bill 163 represents the CAP’s strong leadership at the state level.