Government
Genetic nondiscrimination bill offered
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Feb. 21, 2005
Sen. Olympia Snowe (R, Maine) has introduced genetic nondiscrimination legislation that could quickly come to the Senate floor for a vote. A similar bill passed the Senate last year with strong support from Majority Leader Bill Frist, MD (R, Tenn.). But there has been strong opposition to this type of measure in the House.
The bill would provide protections designed to ensure that health insurers don't use information gained from genetic testing to deny coverage or set premiums. It also aims to prevent employers from using such information for hiring or firing. Opponents say there is no evidence that insurers or employers do this. But advocates say the fear of genetic discrimination is keeping many people from getting tested in the first place.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/02/21/gvbf0221.htm.
