Security of Genetic Information
Patients can feel confident that all of the information that comes from genetic testing is private. Recently, the U.S. Federal Government passed legislation to ensure that genetic information is protected by law. This legislation is called the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) and is designed to prohibit the improper use of genetic information in health insurance and employment. It prohibits group health plans and health insurers from denying coverage to a healthy individual or charging that person higher premiums based solely on a genetic predisposition to developing a disease in the future. The legislation also bars employers from using individuals' genetic information when making hiring, firing, job placement, or promotion decisions.
