FDC Legal & Ethical Issues in DNA 5

Question 1

Which federal statute prohibits health insurers from using genetic information to determine eligibility, set premiums, or impose pre-existing condition exclusions?

Accepted Answer

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) Title I

Answer

GINA Title I specifically prohibits health insurers from using genetic information as a basis for eligibility decisions, premium adjustments, or pre-existing condition exclusions.

Question 2

What is the key legal concern when law enforcement conducts a 'surreptitious DNA collection,' such as retrieving a coffee cup discarded by a suspect?

Accepted Answer

Whether the suspect had a reasonable expectation of privacy in the abandoned item

Answer

Courts analyze whether a suspect retained a reasonable expectation of privacy in discarded items; most courts have found no such expectation for items abandoned in public, making surreptitious collection lawful.

Question 3

A DNA analyst testifies beyond the scope of the reported findings in court, overstating the significance of a partial profile match. This conduct most directly violates which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Veracity and impartiality

Answer

Overstating findings violates the forensic analyst's duty to provide truthful, impartial testimony that accurately reflects the scientific evidence and its limitations.

Question 4

Which type of DNA database index within CODIS contains profiles from unidentified human remains?

Accepted Answer

Unidentified Persons Index

Answer

CODIS's Unidentified Persons Index stores DNA profiles derived from unidentified human remains for comparison with profiles in the Missing Persons and Relatives of Missing Persons indices.

Question 5

When a forensic laboratory receives a court order to produce raw DNA data for independent re-analysis by the defense, which ethical and legal obligation applies?

Accepted Answer

The laboratory must comply with the court order and provide the requested data

Answer

A valid court order legally compels a laboratory to produce requested evidence, including raw data, supporting the defendant's right to independent expert review.

(FDC) Forensic DNA Certification Practice Test

(FDC) Forensic DNA Certification Practice Test

FDC Legal & Ethical Issues in DNA 5