Texas Statutes
Subchapter H. Discriminatory Use of Genetic Information
Section 21.401. Definitions

Sec. 21.401. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
(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) "RNA" means ribonucleic acid.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1215, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1215, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 11.001(a), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.