Genetic discrimination protection federal legislation closer to becoming law

The U.S. Senate passed the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act on Thursday by a vote of 95-0 (Source: "Senate passes genetic discrimination ban," Houston Chronicle, April 25, 2008). This legislation prohibits health insurance companies from using genetic information from setting premiums or determining enrollment eligibility and employers from using such information in personnel decisions.  The legislation continues to allow insurers to base coverage and premium decisions on the actual presence of a health condition.  It moved forward after development of language to address concerns of Senator Coburn (R-OK) and business groups that such a law could foster lawsuits.

The hope is that passage of this legislation will encourage more people to obtain genetic tests and facilitate the further development of personalized medicine.

The legislations moves to the House of Representatives, where passage is expected to occur next week.  President Bush has expressed his interest in signing the legislation.