House Committee Approves Genetic Discrimination Bill

March 28, 2007

The House Energy and Commerce Committee on Thursday by voice vote

approved legislation (HR 493) that would ban discrimination based on

the results of genetic tests, CQ Today reports (Armstrong, CQ Today,

3/23). The legislation would prohibit group health plans from

collecting genetic information and from requesting, requiring or

purchasing such information for insurance underwriting. Insurers

also would be prohibited from acquiring genetic information before

an individual enrolls in a health plan.

In addition, employers would be barred from collecting genetic

information or using it in hiring or firing decisions. The commerce

committee on Thursday delayed the vote after Republicans raised

concerns during a markup session. The House Ways and Means Committee

on Wednesday by voice vote unanimously approved the bill. The

legislation, sponsored by Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.), was

approved by the House Education and Labor Committee on Feb. 14.

The three versions of the bill must be combined by the House

Committee on Rules (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 3/23).

According to CQ Today, Republicans on the commerce

committee " eventually agreed to support the bill, but they continued

to object to what they described as its overly broad language. "

Ranking member Joe Barton (R-Texas) said, " If it becomes law, it

creates a new civil rights violation and creates, in some cases, a

new class action lawsuit potential " (CQ Today, 3/23). HHS Secretary

Mike Leavitt said President Bush supports the legislation. He

said, " Every one of us is biologically unique, " adding, " We haven't

had the knowledge to deliver health care at that kind of individual

level. That's what's changing. " Leavitt said, " We need to establish

a general law to ensure genetic information cannot be misused "

(Lopes, Washington Times, 3/24).

The bill is expected to receive a floor vote in the House after the

April recess, though a vote could occur as early as next week (CQ

Today, 3/23).

Recommended Posts