The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) is a federal law that protects Americans from being treated unfairly due to differences in their DNA which may affect their health. The parts of the law pertaining to employers took effect Saturday November 21, 2009. The act prohibits employers from requesting genetic testing or using an employee’s genetic background when making decisions about hiring, firing or promotions. It also protects Americans from being forced by their employers to undergo genetic testing. In addition, it makes it illegal for health insurance companies and group plans to use a customer’s genetic information – such as a family history of a certain disease – to deny coverage or to set premiums and deductibles. [via Health Day]
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Tags: DNA, employment, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, genetic testing, Genetics, GINA, insurance
Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
November 24th, 2009 at 8:39 am
Good ! That is one step back from “Brave New World!” Some folks with terrible genes are very effective because they are MOTIVATED !!!
November 24th, 2009 at 10:54 am
good fortune to you but this socialism that has invaded DC will do much worse as at 65 I am sure I am on their eugenics removal list.
November 27th, 2009 at 12:00 am
dear;
sir or madam!I am gashaw tsegay from ethiopia ,africa.the GINA helps people to avoid drug adverse effects due to genetic variation.therefore ,people mus show thier willingness to wards the investigation of thier genetic make up.I am a pharmacist so I know the risk of drugs when in appropritely given to patients.
November 30th, 2009 at 7:58 am
je sollicite un emploi ou une bourse d’etude aupres de votre organistion. et m’écrire en francais s’ilvous plais pour une meilleur audition et comprihension
November 30th, 2009 at 8:34 am
Genes are not verifiable evidence of potential disease or health. Reason; as time marches on, so does science and as with all science varibles are introduced within every discipline, i.e., as agriculture changes so does nutritional intakes thus, genetics changes accordingly. Another example I like to point out is that of Diesel introduction in the US. Although some Diesel engines started to arrive back in the late 20’s, it was not until 1939, that diesel engines became popular and the growth of diesel engines became exponential from 1939 to present. Diesel engines produce an exhaust which is many time over than that of gasolene engines, both of which are many times over that of the steam engine exhaust, which is for the most part inert.