 Discrimination Protection with Regard to Genetic Testing
House
of Representatives votes 414-1
May 1, 2008-Just one week
after the GINA bill passed the Senate, it receives a 414-1 vote in the House of
Representatives. "The SADS Foundation is
thrilled at the overwhelming advocacy work of its patients and volunteers,"
says Alice Lara, President and CEO of the SADS Foundation and member of the
Coalition for Genetic Fairness. "We have
worked long and hard for this legislation and now no one with a SADS condition
can be denied health coverage or employment due to channelopathies."
GINA is milestone in
nondiscrimination legislation. Until
now, persons who live with SADS conditions or have any predisposition to
disease, have been vulnerable to the mandates of businesses and insurers who
make decisions based on the results of genetic testing. Thanks to GINA, SADS patients can be sure of
receiving full and equal treatment.
The SADS Foundation is proud
to have been a part of making this bill law, and it will continue to advocate
for the rights of families it serves.
What This Means for SADS Families
The passage of GINA means three things for those of us concerned about the misuse of genetic information:
Prohibiting group health plans and issuers offering coverage on the
group or individual market from basing eligibility determinations or
adjusting premiums or contributions on the basis of genetic
information. They cannot request, require or purchase the results of
genetic tests, or disclose genetic information.
Prohibiting issuers of Medigap policies from adjusting pricing or
conditioning eligibility on the basis of genetic information. They
cannot request, require or purchase the results of genetic tests, or
disclose genetic information.
Prohibiting employers from firing, refusing to hire, or otherwise
discriminating with respect to compensation, terms, conditions or
privileges of employment. Employers may not request, require or
purchase genetic information, and may not disclose genetic information.
Similar provisions apply to employment agencies and labor organizations.
 Download Press release_5-1-08
House Majority Leader's statement on GINA
Download SADS Press Release-GINA Passes the Senate-4/28/08
More Photos
To learn more about GINA please visit the website for the Coalition for Genetic Fairness.
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