Are there any laws that pertain to genetic testing that protect the consumer?
Feb 18, 2005: U.S. Senate endorsed safeguarding individual genetic privacy by passing the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2003 (S. 1053) by a vote of 95-0. The Senate bill was introduced by Senators Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and Tom Daschle (D-S.D.), and it prohibits employers, employment agencies, and labor organizations from using individual genetic information in hiring, firing, and training decisions. Employers are also prohibited from soliciting or purchasing genetic information. This legislation ensures America’s patients that their genetic information cannot be requested or used to deny, cancel, or raise premiums in health insurance. House version of the bill is (H.R. 1910). Yes, while there is no U.S. federal statute on the subject (attempts in 1992 and 1996 failed), the U.S. federal government has developed regulations (45 CFR 46:101 et seq.) to deter employers, insurance companies, or any other entities from discriminating against individuals based on their genetic
