On November 21, 2009, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which prohibits genetic information discrimination in health coverage and employment, took effect. GINA has a significant impact on employers, in that it does the following: (1) prohibits employers from discriminating against an employee based upon genetic information; (2) places broad restrictions on an employer’s deliberate acquisition of genetic information; (3) mandates confidentiality for genetic information that employers lawfully collect; and (4) prohibits retaliation against employees who complain about genetic discrimination. Given the foregoing, it is essential that employers become familiar with GINA and take steps to ensure compliance with the new law.

Please click here to read more.