Genetic Nondiscrimination Information Act Signed By President Bush

Federal Employment Discrimination Law Broadened with Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act

On May 21, 2008, President George W. Bush signed into law the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), This is the first and only civil rights legislation that will provide protection against discrimination based on an individual’s genetic information in employment settings and health insurance coverage.

GINA, sponsored by Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY), makes it illegal for health insurers to deny coverage or charge a higher rate or premium to an otherwise healthy individual found to have a potential genetic condition or genetic predisposition towards a disease or disorder. Also under the new law, it is illegal for employers to use an employee’s genetic information when making hiring, firing, placement or promotion decisions.

Sources: Science Daily: President Bush Signs Landmark Genetic Nondiscrimination Information Act Into Law (5/26/08)
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