Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act

My choice topic for the benefits legislation paper is Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 also referred to as GINA. This new federal law will protect society from being treated unfairly because of the differences in their DNA that may affect their health. Genetic discrimination is the misuse of genetic information. Genetic information as defined by GINA including the following: An person's genetic tests or the genetic tests of the individual's family members, and the manifestation of a disease or disorder in the individual's family members, Genetic information also includes the request or receipt of genetic services or participation in clinical research that includes genetic services, for both the individual and the individual's
House of Representatives remarks to the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Science Policy Group and the Biomedical Graduate Student Organization in 2007 stated “We have laws to protect us from discrimination based on race, gender, and host of other intrinsic characteristics. We desperately needed to enact similar law to protect against genetic discrimination not only to ensure that the tremendous potential of genetic testing and research could be realized but because it was the right thing to do.” (Slaughter L. 2010) Rep. Louis Slaughter introduced this Act to the House of Representative on January 16, 2007, the three committee’s consideration came from House Education and Labor, House Energy and Commerce and House Ways and Means. This Act passed the House of Representation on April 25, 2007 and then the Senate on April 24, 2008 with an amendment, then the House of Representation agreed to Senate’s amendment on May 1, 2008 and the Act was signed into law by President George W. Bush on May 21,
GINA says an employer cannot even ask for or buy genetic information from its employees. For Human Resource representatives the GINA clearly states for regulations for genetic information. The need for a genetic test is very limited to the health care professionals and tests for drugs must not be a DNA establish test it must only test for illegal drugs. My recommendation for GINA is to establish testing with a trustworthy health facility if drug testing is to be done. Have in writing what is being tested and what is not so the employee is aware what is occurring with their sample. Have in writing what the current health care insurance can and cannot require from the employee and do business with an established insurer. Have in writing whether the insurer will cover elective genetic testing and if the employee chooses to have done, that information will not be shared with the