This section defines key terms used in the chapter, including genetic information, genetic test, licensing authority, occupational license, political subdivision, RNA, and state agency.
Sec. 58.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) 'DNA' means deoxyribonucleic acid. (2) 'Family health history' means a history taken by a physician or genetic professional to ascertain genetic or medical information about an individual's family. (3) 'Genetic characteristic' means a scientifically or medically identifiable genetic or chromosomal variation, composition, or alteration that: (A) is scientifically or medically believed to: (i) predispose an individual to a disease, disorder, or syndrome; or (ii) be associated with a statistically significant increased risk of developing a disease, disorder, or syndrome; and (B) may or may not be associated with any symptom of an ongoing disease, disorder, or syndrome affecting an individual on the date the genetic information is obtained regarding the individual. (4) 'Genetic information' means information that is: (A) obtained from or based on a scientific or medical determination of the presence or absence in an individual of a genetic characteristic; or (B) derived from the results of a genetic test performed on, or a family health history obtained from, an individual. (5) 'Genetic test' means a presymptomatic laboratory test of an individual's genes, gene products, or chromosomes that: (A) analyzes the individual's DNA, RNA, proteins, or chromosomes; and (B) is performed to identify any genetic variation, composition, or alteration that is associated with the individual's having a statistically increased risk of: (i) developing a clinically recognized disease, disorder, or syndrome; or (ii) being a carrier of a clinically recognized disease, disorder, or syndrome. The term does not include a blood test, cholesterol test, urine test, or other physical test used for a purpose other than determining a genetic or chromosomal variation, composition, or alteration in a specific individual. (6) 'Licensing authority' means a state agency or political subdivision that issues an occupational license. (7) 'Occupational license' means a license, certificate, registration, permit, or other form of authorization required by law or rule that must be obtained by an individual to engage in a particular business or occupation. (8) 'Political subdivision' means a municipality, county, or special district or authority. The term includes a school district. (9) 'RNA' means ribonucleic acid. (10) 'State agency' means a department, board, bureau, commission, committee, division, office, council, or agency in the executive or judicial branch of state government. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.001(a), eff. Sept. 1, 2003. SUBCHAPTER B. USE AND RETENTION OF GENETIC INFORMATION