[Genetic diagnostics as a legislation project. Regulatory initiatives and main areas of regulation]

The legislation project of a law on genetic diagnostics appears to have come to a standstill; however, it should be taken up again. The national and international discussion underlines the need for regulation. This assessment is based on the dynamic developments in the field of biological and medical sciences and the resulting problems for medical practice, the healthcare system, commercial in terests and, not least, patients, volunteers and clients. The German legislators cannot only build on the preparatory work of political advisory institutions and commissions; besides current legislation in neighbouring countries, several regulatory drafts have been prepared in Germany, which provide important normative material for legislative work. However, these drafts also reflect the conflicts of interest and assessment arising from such a project. Legislation on genetic diagnostics is not only concerned with differing focal points of regulation and numerous questions of detail but also with decisions on fundamental normative orientations and principles of regulation.