Senate Committee Approves
Genetic Nondiscrimination Bill
May 23, 2003 - The Senate Health, Education, Labor
and Pensions Committee May 21 passed legislation (S.
1053) designed to prohibit insurers and employers from
discriminating based on genetic health information. The bill
disallows insurers from denying coverage or raising premiums
based on a person's genetic information and bars employers
from using it to make employment decisions. It also bans the
disclosure of genetic information for insurance underwriting
purposes. Sponsored by Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), S. 1053
may be considered on the Senate floor the week of June 2.
Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson
has expressed support for the bill. A similar House bill (H.R.
1910), sponsored by Rep. Louise Slaughter (R-N.Y.), has
not seen action yet.
Information:
Erica Froyd, Director, Public Health and Research Legislative Affairs
AAMC Office of Governmental Relations
efroyd@aamc.org
(202) 828-0525
Get Washington Highlights
in your Inbox!
| 
