Clinical Integration of Next Generation Sequencing: A Policy Analysis

Abstract

Clinical next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are challenging existing regulatory paradigms. We advocate a coordinate policy approach, which first requires a comprehensive understanding of the existing regulatory and legal structures. This paper introduces four key policy domains - including quality assurance, insurance coverage, intellectual property management, and data sharing - that must be addressed to ensure high quality clinical NGS. In bringing these policy issues into conversation through this special issue for the Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, we hope to lay the foundation for further discussion by a range of stakeholder groups with diverse and strong interests in the governance of NGS.