Genetic information disclosure protections and Genetic Research Studies Nondisclosure Act

OK Genetic Disclosure Laws

Genetic · Health

Shields genetic information from compelled disclosure in judicial, legislative, or administrative proceedings except in listed situations (paternity, the person's own claims, insurance disputes, law enforcement or fraud). Research records of genetic study subjects are confidential, not subject to civil discovery, and may not go to employers or health insurers without informed consent.

Where: Oklahoma
Citation: 36 O.S. §§ 3614.3-3614.4
Status: In force
In force since: 1998-07-01
Enforced by: Courts (subpoena and discovery limits)
People can sue: No
Penalties: No penalties specified.
Applies to: Any person maintaining genetic information (compelled disclosure limits)
Researchers and institutions holding records of subjects in IRB-approved or Common Rule genetic research studies
Does not govern life, disability income, or long-term care insurers

Practices it requires

A person maintaining genetic information may not be compelled to disclose it in a proceeding unless it is for court-ordered paternity testing, the individual is a party and the information is at issue, an insurance policy and the information are at issue, or for law enforcement or insurer fraud reporting.36 O.S. § 3614.3(A)
Keep research records of individual genetic study subjects confidential; do not disclose them to employers or health insurers without the subject's informed consent.36 O.S. § 3614.4(C)
Stored tissue from surgery, diagnosis, or autopsy may be used for research only with informed consent (which may be part of the treatment or admission consent); published results may not identify subjects without specific consent.36 O.S. § 3614.4(E)-(F)

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-09-25 by research agent (Claude), primary sources.

Unverified: § 3614.4 took effect Nov. 1, 1999 (Laws 1999, c. 82); effective_date shows the earlier § 3614.3 date.

Research reference, not legal advice.