Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) is a federal law enacted in 2008 that protects individuals from discrimination based on their genetic information. This law prohibits employers and health insurance providers from using genetic data to make decisions about hiring, firing, or coverage. It aims to encourage people to participate in genetic testing and research without fear of negative consequences.
GINA applies to employers with 15 or more employees and health insurance plans. It defines genetic information broadly, including family medical history and results from genetic tests. By safeguarding this information, GINA promotes privacy and supports advancements in personalized medicine.