to go into effect by end of 09

[Guest guest]

Genetics and Public Policy Center http://www.DNApolicy.org

December 3, 2009

As recently reported in the GPPC newsletter, long-awaited federal regulations

implementing the landmark Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of

2008 are nearly complete, and will go into effect by the end of this year.

Interim final rules developed by the Departments of Health and Human Services,

Labor, and Treasury, were published in the Federal Register on Oct. 7, 2009.

Public comments on the regulations are being accepted through Jan. 5, 2010, but

the rules become effective on December 7, 2009.

The Office of Civil Rights at HHS also issued regulations on Oct. 7, in order to

make the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)

compliant with GINA. The OCR has extended the prohibition on use and disclosure

of genetic information for underwriting to all entities covered by HIPAA. These

rules are open for public comment through Dec. 7, 2009, with a final rule

expected after that date.

The Genetics and Public Policy Center has drafted two sets of model comments,

" Comments on DOL HHS Treasury Interim Final Rule " and " Comments on HHS OCR

Proposed Rule. " We encourage other organizations to use these comments in whole

or in part in drafting their own comments. Instructions for submitting written

comments by mail or electronically appear in the text of the regulations.

Please send any questions or comments to GINAinfo@....