Management Accounting

Genetic discrimination-when people are treated unfairly because of differences in their DNA that increases their chances of getting certain diseases.

For Example: An employer refusing to hire someone because their DNA make up raises their odds of getting colon cancer.

There are several laws that protect against genetic discrimination:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA)

-Also to be considered, the Civil Rights Act of 1964

- for racial or ethnic specific genetic disorders

ADA-

Prohibits discrimination against a person who is regarded as having a disability.

REVISED March 1995-Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued an interpretation of the ADA:

Entities that discriminate on the basis of genetic predisposition are treating the individuals as having impairments which would make those individuals covered by the ADA.

HIPAA-

Privacy law regarding personal health information

Protects personal medical records and other personal health information maintained by healthcare providers, hospitals, health plans, health insurers, and healthcare clearinghouses.

GINA-

Wed., May 21 2008 -- The President has signed into law the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)

To protect Americans against discrimination based on their genetic information when it comes to health insurance and employment.

The bill had passed the Senate unanimously and the House by a vote of 414 to 1.

Was debated in Congress for 13 years

personalized medicine without fear of discrimination.