Genome Statute and Legislation Database

An employer may discriminate against an individual because of genetic information that is unrelated to the individual's ability to perform the duties of a particular job or position. An employer also may not require an individual to submit to a genetic test or provide genetic information as a condition of employment or promotion. An employee may voluntarily submit genetic information that is relevant to health and safety in the workplace, and an employer may use genetic information submitted for that purpose.

It is an unfair and deceptive act or practice in the business of insurance to engage in any underwriting standard or other practice that due solely to any health status-related factor, including genetic information, terminates or fails to renew an existing individual policy, contract, plan of health benefits, or a health benefit plan issued to an employer, for which an individual would otherwise be eligible, or, with respect to a health benefit plan issued to an employer, excludes or causes the exclusion of an individual from coverage under an existing employer-provided policy, contract, or plan of health benefits. Insurers issuing accident and sickness insurance, self-insurers or public employee health benefit plans may not consider information obtained from genetic screening or testing in processing an application or in determining insurability or inquire into the results of genetic screening or testing or use such information to cancel, refuse to issue or renew, or limit benefits. The superintendent of insurance has the authority to investigate violations of this provision.

Grants consumers the right to request a business to disclose the categories and specific pieces of personal information that it collects about the consumer; the categories of sources from which that information is collected; the business purposes for collecting or selling the information; and the categories of 3rd parties with which the information is shared. Biometric information, which is defined to include DNA, is considered personal information. On or before January 1, 2020, the Attorney General must solicit broad public participation to adopt regulations to further the requirements set forth in the law.

It is an unfair method of competition and deceptive act and practice in the business of insurance to discriminate against an insured, enrollee, or beneficiary in the issuance, payment of benefits, withholding of coverage, cancellation or nonrenewal of a policy, contract, plan, or program based upon the results of a genetic test or receipt of genetic information. Actions of an insurer or third parties dealing with an insurer taken in the ordinary course of business in connection with the sale, issuance or administration of a life, disability income, or long-term care insurance policy are exempt from the law.

A health maintenance organization, a carrier serving small employers, a corporation that provides health insurance, individual health insurers and group health insurers may not (1) require an insured person or family member to take a genetic test or disclose whether one has been taken or (2) determine the rates or any other aspect of the coverage or benefits based on genetic information or whether the insured person or member of his family has taken a genetic test. These entities may not establish rules of eligibility based on a health status-related factor, including genetic information, or impose a pre-existing condition exclusion based on genetic information in the absence of a diagnosis. The provisions to not apply to any of the above entities in terms of the issuance of a policy of health insurance that provides coverage for long-term care or disability income. Insurers or organizations that provide health coverage pursuant to sections 689A, 689B, 689C, 695A, 695B, 695C, 695D, and 695F must comply with the federal law, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.

Governs the use of biometric identifiers, including human biological samples used for valid scientific testing or screening, by educational entities.

Employers, employment agencies, labor organization or joint labor-management committee controlling apprenticeships or other training may not discriminate based on genetic information. These entities may admit or employ any individual on the basis of genetic information in those certain instances where genetic information is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of that particular business or enterprise. Enforcement provisions, processes for civil action by the Attorney General or charging party, judicial remedies and civil penalties are established.

Health and disability insurers may not deny applicants insurance coverage because of a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia.

Requires the state employees' health insurance and benefit plan to cover mammograms and breast imaging for individuals at high risk for breast cancer. Individuals at high risk include those with a known BRCA 1 or 2 mutation based on genetic testing or with a first degree relative with known mutation.

A health plan company in determining eligibility for coverage, establishing premiums, limiting coverage, renewing coverage, or any other underwriting decision may not (1) require or request an individual or his or her blood relative to take a genetic test, (2) make any inquiry about a genetic test or what the results of any such test were, or (3) take into consideration the fact that a genetic test was taken or refused or the results of such a test. A life insurance company or fraternal benefit society requiring a genetic test for the purpose of determining insurability for life insurance must obtain informed written consent. A violation is subject to the investigative and enforcement authority of the insurance commissioner.

In the statute sections pertaining to large group, individual health insurance and small employer health insurance a health status-related factor is defined to include genetic information, and pre-existing condition exclusions may not be based on genetic information the absence of a diagnosis.

Health care service plans, self-insured employee welfare benefit plans, and multiple employer welfare arrangements may not refuse to enroll any person, refuse to accept or renew a subscriber, charge a higher rate, or offer different terms, conditions or benefits on the basis of genetic characteristics that may be associated with disability in that person or that persons offspring. A plan may not seek information about genetic characteristics for non-therapeutic purposes. Specific penalties are set forth for violations by self-insured employee welfare benefit plans and multiple employer welfare arrangements.

Establishes requirements for the use of genetic genealogical DNA analysis for criminal justice purposes.

Individual or group hospital service corporations and individual or group medical or health service corporations providing hospital or medical expense benefits, individual health insurance policies, group health insurance policies, and contracts for health care services may not exclude any person or eligible dependent or establish any rates or terms on the basis of any genetic characteristic.

A person proposing to issue, re-issue, or renew accident and sickness insurance, excluding disability income insurance, issued by any insurer providing hospital, medical and surgical or major medical coverage on an expense incurred basis, a corporation providing a health services plan, or an HMO providing a health care plan may not on the basis of any genetic information or a request for genetic services (1) terminate, restrict, limit, or otherwise apply conditions to coverage of an individual or restrict the sale to an individual, (2) cancel or refuse to renew the coverage of an individual, (3) exclude an individual from coverage, (4) impose a waiting period, (5) require inclusion of a rider that excludes coverage for certain benefits and services, (6) establish differentials in premium rates for coverage, or (7) disclose any genetic information about an individual or his/her family member collected or received in connection with any insurance transaction unless the disclosure is made with the written authorization of the individual.

A person may not order or require the performance of a genetic test without written informed consent. Genetic test results may not be disclosed without the express consent of the subject of the test or the person authorized to consent for that person.

A group health plan and a health insurance issuer offering group health_insurance_coverage may not impose a pre-existing condition exclusion based on genetic information in the absence of a diagnosis or establish rules for eligibility or continued eligibility based on a health status-related factor, including genetic information.

The statutes restrict the use of genetic tests, information about whether an individual or family member has obtained a genetic test, and test results by a health insurance company, health maintenance organization, nonprofit medical and hospital, dental, optometric or pharmacy corporation, or a group subject to K.S.A. 12-2616 et seq. offering group policies and certificates of coverage or individual policies providing hospital, medical or surgical expense benefits. These entities may not require any individual, as a condition of enrollment or continued enrollment, higher premiums or contributions or than a similarly situated individual based on a genetic test or adjust premium or contribution amounts based on a genetic test. An accident or sickness insurer may not deny coverage based on a health status-related factors, including genetic information, and group policies providing hospital, medical or surgical expense benefits may not impose pre-existing condition exclusions based on genetic information in the absence of a diagnosis. The use of such information by an insurer writing life insurance, disability income insurance or long-term care insurance coverage also is restricted unless it is for the purpose of writing life insurance coverage. Life, disability income or long-term care insurers also may not provide for rates or any other aspect of coverage that is not reasonably related to the risk involved.

An employer may not discriminate against an employee or applicant because of genetic information that is unrelated to the ability to perform the duties of a particular job or position. An employer also may not require an employee or applicant to submit to a genetic test or to provide genetic information as a condition of employment or promotion. An employee may voluntarily submit genetic information that is related to heath and safety in the workplace.

Pertains to medical authorization required to release protected health information in a health care liability claim. Allows the patient or patient's personal or legal representative to exclude genetic information from the authorization.

The Health Commissioner must review and approve research proposals to be conducted using personally identifiable information in the newborn screening system or requiring contact with affected individuals.

Prohibits the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission from discriminating against a person on the basis of genetic information. Requires that contracts entered into by the Commission include a provision stating that contractors will not to discriminate in any manner against an employee or an applicant for employment based on a variety of factors, including genetic information.

An employer or labor organization may not discriminate against employees, applicants or members based on a predisposing genetic characteristic. An employer or employment agency may not print or circulate materials or use a form of application that discriminate based on a predisposing genetic characteristic. Additional provisions apply to employers, labor organizations, employment agencies, and licensing agencies. A genetic test may be required as a condition of employment if directly related to possible increased risk of disease in the work environment or, with informed consent, for workers compensation and to determine susceptibility to toxins found in the workplace environment.

Insurers that provide Medicare supplement policies or certificates only may not deny or condition the issuance or effectiveness of insurance, including pre-existing condition exclusions, on the basis of genetic information. Insurers of these policies or certificates may not (1) discriminate with respect to pricing on the basis of genetic information, (2) request or require an individual or family member to undergo a genetic test (with an exception regarding requesting a test), or (3) use the manifestation of disease in an individual as genetic information about another group members and to further increase premiums for the group. Insurers may request a genetic test from an individual or family member only if the request is pursuant to research that applies to the Common Rule and other criteria are met.

Parental consent is required to store, transfer, use or database DNA from any newborn child.

Protects the privacy and security of computerized data, including personal information, owned or licensed by an agency. Genetic data is defined as any data that results from the analysis of a biological sample of an individual, or from another source enabling equivalent information to be obtained, and concerns genetic material. Genetic material includes, but is not limited to, deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA), ribonucleic acids (RNA), genes, chromosomes, alleles, genomes, alterations or modifications to DNA or RNA, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), uninterpreted data that results from analysis of the biological sample or other source, and any information extrapolated, derived, or inferred therefrom.

Prohibits life and long-term care insurers, in determining eligibility for coverage, establishing premiums, limiting coverage, or making any other underwriting decisions from doing the following: (1) taking into consideration the fact that an individual or a family member of the individual participated in genetic research, including any request for or receipt of genetic services or participation by an individual or family member in clinical research that includes genetic services, unless the results of that genetic research are included in the individual's medical record or provided by the individual for consideration by the insurer; or (2) requiring or requesting an individual or a family member of the individual to take a genetic test. Additionally prohibits life and long-term care insurers from canceling or refusing to renew an existing policy based on (1) the fact that an individual or a family member of the individual requested or received genetic services; (2) the fact that an individual or a family member of the individual participated in genetic research, including clinical research that includes genetic services; or (3) purchasing genetic information about an individual without the individual's written consent. Insures may consider genetic information contained in an applicant's medical record if the information is relevant to a potential medical condition that impacts mortality or morbidity, and consideration of the genetic information is based on sound actuarial principles or reasonably expected experience.

Samples may not be used for other research or DNA testing purposes unless authorized by the parent or guardian.

Genetic information may not be treated as a pre-existing condition in the absence of a diagnosis. The genetic testing privacy act, which prohibits health insurance discrimination, is applicable to insurers except as permitted under the Medicare Supplement Minimum Standards Act. The insurance commissioner may adopt rules regarding nondiscrimination for genetic testing or genetic information in Medicare supplement policies and certificates.

Prohibits research utilizing stored blood specimens or the stored data without parental consent, except for population-based studies in which all identifying information is removed. Parents may elect not to participate in blood spot storage.

Health benefit plans, including the Alabama Medicaid Agency, may not require a genetic test to determine if a person has a predisposition to cancer as a condition of insurability or use the results of such a test to determine insurability or discriminate with respect to rates or benefits. The statutes set forth penalties for insurance companies or health maintenance organizations that violate the law.

Genetic information is the property of the individual tested. Prior written authorization is required for genetic testing and release of results to anyone other than the person tested. A fraternal benefit society, a nonprofit medical service corporation, a health care corporation, a health maintenance corporation, or a self-insured health plan not subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of ERISA may not seek information derived from genetic testing, and if it is received, the information may not be used for any nontherapeutic purpose or be released without explicit written consent. Exceptions include scientific research facilities, which may conduct genetic testing and use information derived from testing for scientific research if the identity of any individual tested is not disclosed to any third party, except to an individual's physician with consent.

A residual newborn screening specimen is retained for five years after initial submission to the department. After five years specimens are destroyed. Unless otherwise directed, a biological specimen may be released for anonymous scientific study. At the time of collection, the parent or legal guardian of the child from whom a biological specimen was obtained may direct the department to: (1) Return a biological specimen that remains after all screening tests have been performed; (2) Destroy a biological specimen in a scientifically acceptable manner after all screening tests required have been performed; or (3) Store a biological specimen but not release the biological specimen for anonymous scientific study. A biological specimen released for anonymous study may not contain information that may be used to determine the identity of the donor. The department has authority over the use, retention, and disposal of biological specimens and related information collected in connection with newborn screening tests. The use of such specimens and related information is for public health purposes and must comply with all applicable provisions of federal law. The department may charge a reasonable fee for the use of such specimens for public health research and preparing and supplying specimens for research proposals approved by the department.

Health insurers offering individual health plans may not cancel, deny, adjust premiums or rates or impose pre-existing conditions exclusions based on the genetic information of an individual or family member or based on a request for genetic services. Health insurers offering group health plans may not adjust premiums or contributions based on genetic information. Health insurers may not request or require genetic information or require an individual to undergo a genetic test. The law also prohibits disclosure of genetic information without informed written consent, with some exceptions such as for law enforcement purposes or as allowable under state and federal statutes. It is required to obtain informed consent prior to performing a genetic test, with some exceptions such as for diagnosis or treatment of an individual if performed by a clinical laboratory that has received a specimen referral from the individual's treating physician or another clinical laboratory. Penalties for violations of the law are established and are intended to be in addition to those set forth under the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, Public Law 110-233.

Health care service plans and carriers, agents or brokers offering health benefit plans to individuals or solicitors may not encourage or direct federally eligible defined individuals to refrain from an application for coverage because of genetic information. Plans, agents or brokers may not enter into any contract, agreement or arrangement with a solicitor that provides for or results in the compensation paid to a solicitor for the sale of a health care service plan contract or health benefit plan design to be varied because of genetic information.

The law prohibits research using a human subject unless the person conducts the research in accordance with the federal regulations on the protection of human subjects.

A group health plan may not establish rules for eligibility or continued eligibility based on health status-related factors, including genetic information, or impose a pre-existing condition exclusion based on genetic information in the absence of a diagnosis. Health status-related factor also is defined to include genetic information applicable to sections 1 to 15 of chapter 17B:27A, and the definition of pre-existing condition excludes genetic information in the absence of a diagnosis under provisions applicable to small employer health benefit plans.

Modifies the state privacy law pertaining to biometric information by adding DNA to the definition of biometric identifiers. Provides an exception for law enforcement agencies.

Employers may not discriminate against an individual based on genetic test results, notwithstanding professionally developed ability tests that are not designed to discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

Genetic information may only be released to the individual tested and to other authorized persons with a few exceptions. An insurer may not seek information derived from genetic testing for use in connection with a policy of accident and health insurance, and an insurer that receives this information may not use it for non-therapeutic purposes unless the favorable results of a genetic test are voluntarily submitted. An employer, employment agency, labor organization, and licensing agency must treat genetic testing and genetic information in a manner that is consistent with federal law, including but not limited to the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008. Prohibited actions by employers, employment agencies and labor organizations are specified. No person may disclose the identity of any person upon whom a genetic test is performed or the results of a genetic test in a manner that permits identification of the subject of the test with some exceptions. A company providing direct-to-consumer genetic testing must obtain consent from the individual tested to share genetic information with any health or life insurance company.

An employer may not (1) seek to obtain, obtain or use genetic screening or testing information of an employee or a prospective employee to discriminate against an employee or a prospective employee or (2) subject any employee or prospective employee to any genetic screening or test.

The health department must adopt and promulgate rules and regulations relating to the use_of_residual_newborn_screening_specimens and related information. Use may only be made for public health purposes and must comply with all applicable provisions of federal law. The department may charge a reasonable fee for evaluating proposals relating to the use of such specimens for public health research and for preparing and supplying specimens for research proposals approved by the department. The health department also must develop a pamphlet which explains that residual newborn blood specimens may be used for approved public health research.

Reports, records, and information obtained by the health department for newborn screening that do not identify a child or the family of a child will not be released for public health research purposes unless a parent, managing conservator, or guardian of the child consents to disclosure. Newborn screening blood spots and associated data are confidential under law and may only be used as specified. If a family consents to disclosure of nonidentifiable reports, records and information for public health research, any subsequent disclosures must be approved by an IRB or privacy board of the health department and the Health Commissioner or his or her designee. research for public health purposes is defined to include purposes that relate to cancer, a birth defect, an infectious disease, a chronic disease, environmental exposure, or newborn screening.

The statute provides coverage of specified services for women who meet the age requirements set forth in the statute. If a woman is believed to be at increased risk for breast cancer due to 1) family history or prior personal history of breast cancer or 2) positive genetic testing or other indications as determined by a woman's physician advanced practice registered nurse, individual and group health insurers must provide a mammogram, which may be provided by breast tomosynthesis at the option of the woman covered under the policy, and comprehensive ultrasound screening of an entire breast or breasts. Ultrasound screening is provided only if a mammogram demonstrates heterogeneous or dense breast tissue based on the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System established by the American College of Radiology.

Any public health surveillance activity which is also research is subject to the requirements for research using human subjects.

No insurer may request or require an individual proposed for insurance coverage to submit to a genetic test without prior written informed consent. Further disclosures require additional consent. If an adverse underwriting decision is based on the results of a genetic test, the insurer must notify the individual. No insurer who lawfully possesses information derived from a genetic test on a biological sample may incorporate the information into the record of a non-consenting individual. Penalties for violations are set forth.

A physician or individual to whom a physician has delegated authority must obtain informed written consent to order a pre-symptomatic or predictive genetic test. Required contents of the informed consent form are specified, and the department of community health with others must develop a model consent form, which, if used, bars the test subject from bringing any civil action for damages based on failure to obtain consent. The public health department may investigate activities thought to be in violation of the law and report its findings by to the appropriate disciplinary subcommittee.

Creates the Parents' Bill of Rights, including the right to consent in writing before any record of a minor childs blood or DNA is created, stored or shared, except as required by Sections 1-516 (pertaining to syphilis) and 1-524.1 (pertaining to testing arrested persons for sexually transmitted infections and HIV) of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, or unless authorized pursuant to a court order.

This statute was amended as part of 2011 CA SB 559, referred to as CalGINA, by adding genetic information to the list of characteristics addressed in the Unruh Civil Rights Act. All people in California are considered free and equal, and no matter what their sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, primary language, or immigration status are entitled to the full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges, or services in all business establishments of every kind whatsoever.

An employer, labor organization, or employment agency may not (1) discriminate against any employee based on genetic information, (2) require, collect, purchase, or disclose genetic information or information about a request or receipt of genetic services with respect to an employee, or (3) maintain genetic information or information about a request for or the receipt of genetic services in general personnel files. Exceptions regarding disclosure include disclosure to an occupational or other health researcher if the research complies with Part 46 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Additional prohibitions apply to labor organizations with respect to membership and to employers, labor organizations and employment agencies with respect to training. Employers, employment agencies and labor organizations also may not discriminate because an individual has sickle cell trait.