Developments in Genetic and Epigenetic Data Protection in Behavioral and Mental Health Spaces

Area of Science:

• Legal epidemiology
• Bioethics
• Genomic data science

Background:

• The legal system anticipates significant challenges related to epigenetics in public health, environmental law, and litigation.
• Current epigenetic data protection mirrors challenges faced by other clinical and research data, such as technological and legal hurdles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine three key areas where epigenetic data protection may become problematic.
• To highlight the implications of expanding research using electronic medical record (EMR)-sourced clinical data.
• To discuss the complexities of data protection models for genetic data and the risks of reidentifying deidentified information.

Main Methods:

• Review of legal and technological developments impacting epigenetic data.
• Analysis of existing data protection frameworks applicable to genetic information.
• Examination of the risks associated with the reidentification of deidentified datasets.

Main Results:

• The anticipated "explosion" of epigenetic issues has not yet materialized but remains a future concern.
• Epigenetic data protection currently faces similar issues as other sensitive health data.
• Three specific areas indicate potential future problems: EMR data expansion, diverse genetic data protection models, and reidentification risks.

Conclusions:

• Epigenetic data protection requires careful consideration due to the unique nature of epigenetic information.
• The intersection of EMRs, genetic data regulations, and reidentification risks presents a complex landscape for legal and ethical frameworks.
• Proactive strategies are needed to address potential future challenges in safeguarding epigenetic data.