Senate Approves Genetic Nondiscrimination
Bill
October 17, 2003 - The Senate Oct. 14 unanimously
passed the "Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
of 2003" (S.
1053). Sponsored by Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), S. 1053
provides protections against discrimination based upon genetic
information by health insurers and employers [see Washington
Highlights,
May 23]. The bill is the product of lengthy bipartisan
negotiations and applies the medical privacy rules under the
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
to the disclosure of genetic information. No amendments were
considered on the Senate floor.
The White House has indicated that the President is willing
to sign Senate-passed bill. Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.)
has introduced similar legislation (H.R.
1910) in the House, but no action has been taken. H.R.
1910 has 221 cosponsors.
Information:
Erica Froyd, Director, Public Health and Research Legislative Affairs
AAMC Office of Governmental Relations
efroyd@aamc.org
(202) 828-0525
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