Senate Bills - 110th Congress

S. 358—The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007

On January 22, 2007, Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) introduced S. 358, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007. The House companion, H.R. 493, was introduced by Representative Louise Slaughter (D-NY) on January 16. These bills, which would prohibit discrimination in health insurance and employment on the basis of predictive genetic information, are identical to legislation passed by the Senate during the 109th Congress. The bills would prohibit health insurers in both the group and individual markets from (1) using genetic information to impose enrollment restrictions or to adjust premium or contribution amounts, (2) requesting genetic testing or results except as necessary for treatment, payment, or health care operations, or (3) requesting or requiring the use of genetic information for the purposes of underwriting. The bills define a genetic test as an analysis of human DNA, RNA, chromosomes, proteins, or metabolites that detects genotypes, mutations, or chromosomal changes. S. 358 has 22 cosponsors and was referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP).

Legislative Update (May 2008): Genetic Nondiscrimination