Update on genetic non-discrimination legislation

August 10, 2009

The Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act (GINA) was made a federal law across the US just over a year ago (see previous news). It prevents insurers from refusing to provide health insurance to healthy people on the sole basis of genetic predisposition to a disease, based on the results of a genetic test or a family history of a particular disease. It also prevents employers from requesting or using genetic information in the process of employment, promotion or dismissal of staff. (PHG Foundation)