California’s Department of Public Health sent letters to 13 direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies ordering them to stop selling tests in the state until they prove their compliance with state and federal regulations, several media outlets reported this month. California-based Navigenics and 23andMe were among the companies that received the letters. A department spokeswoman indicated that all genetic tests sold to California residents must be ordered by a health care professional and must demonstrate medical utility.

California’s letters follow similar action by New York State, which in April sent a spate of warning letters to companies ordering them to stop selling genetic tests directly to consumers in New York.

States Crack Down On Online Gene Tests (Forbes, 4/18/08)

Chart – State laws governing direct-to-consumer genetic testing

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