S. 976 would secure the promise of personalized medicine for all Americans by expanding and accelerating genomics research and initiatives to improve the accuracy of disease diagnosis, increase the safety of drugs, and identify novel treatments.
Detailed Summary
Genomics and Personalized Medicine Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish the Genomics and Personalized Medicine Interagency Working Group (IWG) to facilitate collaboration, coordination, and integration of activities among federal agencies relating to genomic research and initiatives; (2) establish a national biobanking distributed database for the collection and integration of genomic data and associated environmental and clinical health information; (3) establish a grant program for academic medical centers and other entities to develop or expand biobanking initiatives; (4) improve genetics and genomics training for diagnosis, treatment, and counseling of adults and children for both rare and common disorders; (5) contract with the National Academy of Sciences to study incentives to encourage companion diagnostic test development; and (6) make information available on the safety and efficacy of genetic tests and commission a study for improving federal oversight and regulation of such tests.
Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to: (1) conduct an analysis of the public health impact of direct-to-consumer marketing of genetic tests; and (2) expand efforts to educate the public about genomics and its health applications.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 3/23/2007: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Charles L. Kyte, III
In March of 2007, Distinguished Senator Barack Hussein Obama (D-IL) introduced the Genomics and Personalized Medicine Act of 2007 (Bill # S.976).
In the early phase of the 2008 presidential campaign healthcare has been the most important issue for the U.S. public, ranking higher than both immigration and the economy. Implicit in the debate is the value of preserving "human health" by means of new scientific, technological and research innovations and intervention. Indeed, a majority of the U.S. population thinks that the federal government should guarantee the betterment of overall health for all Americans though legislation. What the new leadership of the United States does or does not advocate with regard to expanding healthcare protection may affect the health of the American people for years to come. Let’s do our best to better the overall health of the American people by creating rational and well-conceived policy in favor of safeguarding and caring for human health.