Fraud and Fraudsters in Genetic Testing
Speaker:
Rachel Notestine, MS, CGC, Stephanie Gandomi, MS, MBA, CGC, CPC, CPCO, Public Health Genetics Consulant, Newborn Screening, Ohio Department of Health; Program Director, MSGC, Southern California University of Health Sciences
Contact Hours:
1.0
Date:
January 26, 2026 - January 31, 2027
Description:
This LabTalk explores cases of fraud in genetic testing, based on a University of Texas MD Anderson study of 42 documented incidents. Two authors of the study join moderator Mike Astion to detail the schemes involving medically unnecessary tests, kickbacks, sham contracts, and falsified documentation, which led to penalties ranging from multimillion-dollar fines to prison. The session highlights warning signs, patient harms, and the critical role of genetic counselors in prevention and detection.
Learning Objectives:
- List two common themes of fraudulent activity found in U.S. genetic testing cases.
- Describe two ways genetic testing fraud can harm patients.
- Identify two actions genetic counselors or laboratory staff can take to help detect or prevent genetic testing fraud.