Click
here for information on this issue in the 107th Congress
GENETIC NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Promise and
Implications of Genetic Testing -- and the Possible Consequences of New
Mandates
During
the 107th Congress, the Employer-Employee Relations Subcommittee, chaired
by Sam Johnson (R-TX), held two hearings on genetic non-discrimination
and its implications for employers and employees.
There is a broad range of issues related to genetic
non-discrimination that must be addressed, including the extent to which
current federal and state law already protects individuals from genetic
discrimination.
There
is a general consensus that (1) health care provided by employers should
be a benefit of the job, unrelated to health care status, genetic or
otherwise, and (2) employers shouldn’t use genetic information to
determine eligibility for this very important benefit. In June 2001,
President Bush announced his opposition to genetic discrimination in
employment and his support for legislation to address this issue.
Genetic
information and testing are very complex scientific issues and it is
important that Congress carefully consider this extremely complex area of
law and science to ensure that any legislation enacted is precise and
measured in its impact.
The
Committee will continue to examine this issue in a balanced manner that
focuses on protecting the rights of employees without enacting hasty
mandates that discourage employers from voluntarily providing quality
benefits to their employees.
Issue Summary: The
Promise and Implications of Genetic Testing
