Table 1.

Core ethical principles.

Ethical principle	Definition	Example
Beneficence	Taking positive steps to benefit the patient	Genetic testing aids in diagnosis and informs healthcare and life decisions
Non-maleficence	Avoiding harmful measures	Patient not subjected on basis of genetic test results to unnecessary or futile treatments/procedures that may pose risks
Autonomy	Promoting patient self-rule; freedom from interference	Provide patients with adequate information to make fully informed, voluntary decisions about genetic testing/care consistent with their values and beliefs
Justice	Fair distribution of benefits and burdens of medical care	Proven beneficial genetic testing options are made widely accessible