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Updated: Feb 18, 2026

Navigating MARRVEL, a Web-Based Tool that Integrates Human Genomics and Model Organism Genetics Information
Published on: August 15, 2019
Physicians' duty to recontact and update genetic advice
Yvonne A Stevens1, Grant D Senner2, Gary E Marchant1
1Center for Law, Science & Innovation, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ85004, USA.
Abstract:
This perspective addresses whether physicians have a duty to recontact former or current patients to update clinical advice based on newly discovered genomic information. Genetic information is unique compared with other medical data in that the underlying data do not appreciably change during the patients' lifetime, but the clinical significance of that information will continue to evolve. Based on relevant case law and guidelines, there is no general, established legal duty for physicians to affirmatively recontact former or current patients to update clinical advice based on newly discovered genetic information. However, integration of genomics into clinical practice is advancing quickly, and there may be limited, specific situations where a physician may have a duty to provide updated genetic information.
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