Government
U.S. House sits on genetics bill
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted May 3, 2004
Genetic nondiscrimination legislation that passed the Senate last year has been put on hold in the House by Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R, Texas), despite support for the measure from Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, MD (R, Tenn.).
The bill, which would bar health insurers and employers from making coverage decisions based on the results of genetic tests, has strong bipartisan support. It has met with opposition from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which is seeking an exception for cases in which testing reveals that potential hires might be a risk to co-workers.
The business group also wants the bill to have a set expiration date and to preempt state laws. Proponents of genetic testing protections are worried that the clock is running out on the measure.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/05/03/gvbf0503.htm.
