- Home
- Advocacy
- Latest News and Practice Data
- Connecticut pathologists secure amendment to genetic testing legislation
The College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the Connecticut Society of Pathologists (CSP) secured an amendment to Connecticut legislation regulating direct‑to‑consumer genetic testing, protecting such testing ordered for patient care.
Background: Connecticut House Bill 5128 defined direct‑to‑consumer genetic testing companies in a way that could have unintentionally included genetic tests ordered by licensed clinicians for diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment.
What happened: Former CSP President Christine Minerowicz, MD, FCAP, testified February 18 alongside the Connecticut State Medical Society and the Connecticut Hospital Association, urging lawmakers to clarify the bill.
Impact: On March 11, the committee approved substitute language confirming that direct‑to‑consumer genetic testing companies do not include licensed clinicians ordering genetic tests for medical purposes.
- Protects diagnostic genetic testing used in patient care
- Avoids potential conflicts with CLIA requirements
A proposal to require mandatory proficiency testing for consumer genetic tests was not included in the amendment.
Go deeper: Watch Dr. Minerowicz’s testimony