What is the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act?

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) is a civil rights law that was passed in California in 2008 in order to protect people from discrimination based on their genetic information. This law applies to employers, health insurers, and other entities that deal with genetic information. Under this law, employers, health insurers, and other entities cannot use a person’s genetic information when deciding whether or not to hire, fire, promote, or provide coverage or benefits to them. Employers and health insurers also cannot ask for or require genetic information as part of a medical checkup or require a person to undergo genetic testing. This law also prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for asserting their rights under GINA. Additionally, employers must keep any genetic information they receive confidential and can only use it for certain limited purposes. For individuals, GINA provides a way to hold employers and health insurers accountable for any discrimination based on genetic information. By protecting individuals from such discrimination, this law helps ensure that everyone has access to equal opportunities and benefits in the workplace and in their insurance coverage.

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What is the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act?

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