House Acts To Ban Genetic Tests For Insurance

Another provision applies existing administrative enforcement mechanisms in situations where genetic information may have been used or disclosed inappropriately.

Other provisions would prohibit employers from using genetic information in hiring, firing, job placement or promotion decisions.

It was sponsored by Reps. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y., and Judy Biggert, R-Ill.

A key reason the bill should be passed is that it would eliminate "a new form of discrimination" and also remove people's reluctance to take part in genetic research and testing, they said.

The House bill merges bills passed on the issue by the House Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means and Education and Labor Committees. Their provisions were combined by members of the House Rules Committee.

"The [final bill] offers a balanced, constructive approach to establishing new protections with respect to both nondiscrimination and confidentiality of genetic information," Karen Ignani, AHIP president and CEO, stated in her letter to Speaker Pelosi. "We believe this legislation would promote informed health care decision-making by patients and practitioners and allow health plans to maintain their state-of-the-art programs to support early prevention and coordination of care."