Genetic Testing: U.S. task force softens on oversight; British insurers seek 'jury' advice

WASHINGTON - A government task force on genetic testing issued its final report to HHS Secretary Donna Shalala, recommending that she create an advisory committee on genetic testing to establish a system for determining which tests require "stringent scrutiny" because of the potential adverse social or medical impacts posed by their use.

The advisory committee "should represent the stakeholders in genetic testing, including professional societies (general medicine, genetics, pathology, genetic counseling), the biotechnology industry, consumers, and insurers, as well as other interested parties," according to the Task Force on Genetic Testing's report last week...