The US Senate has voted with an overwhelming majority to approve legislation that would prohibit companies from using genetic test results to make employment decisions, deny health coverage or raise insurance premiums. After nearly 8 years of negotiations, the bill - which has the support of the Bush administration - will now move forward for consideration by the House of Representatives.

 

The measure would bar insurers from requiring genetic tests, from obtaining test results, and from using the results of tests to increase insurance premiums or deny coverage. Employers would be barred from seeking most genetic information, and from using any such information to influence hiring or promotion decisions. Employers could, however, require testing to monitor potential ill effects from workplace exposure to hazardous substances.

 

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