The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), unveiled a new Web-based resource that will enable researchers, health professionals and the general public to more easily locate information on laws and policies related to a wide array of genetic issues.

The NHGRI Policy and Legislation Database is located on NHGRI's Web site at http://www.genome.gov/LegislativeDatabase. The free, searchable database currently focuses on the following subject areas: genetic testing and counselling; insurance and employment discrimination, newborn screening; privacy of genetic information and confidentiality; informed consent; and commercialization and patenting.

"This is a tremendous resource for anyone interested in learning more about the laws, regulations and policies pertaining to genetics and genomics. It will serve as a valuable tool for all Americans, from academic researchers seeking to patent genetic technologies to average citizens trying to determine what protections exist in their states against genetic discrimination," said NHGRI Director Francis S Collins.

The resource features a convenient, interactive map of the United States that enables users to view state legislation and laws for any of the 50 states and the District of Columbia by simply clicking on that jurisdiction. Users also can search the database by keyword, content type, topic and/or source, and can also sort the information by date or citation, the release from NIH says.

The database, which will be updated on a regular basis, contains links to full-text copies of federal and state laws/statutes; federal legislative materials; and federal administrative and executive materials, including regulations, institutional policies and executive orders.

In addition to federal and state laws, the database includes materials from these current and former federal agencies and advisory panels: Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Health, Education
and Welfare, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetics, Health and Society and the President's Council on Bioethics.