FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Thursday, May 01, 2008
CONTACT: Debra Curtis, (202) 225-5065

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After being stalled for more than a decade, the House of Representatives today approved final passage of H.R. 493, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, by a margin of 414 to 1. This bipartisan legislation protects patients against discrimination by health insurance providers and employers based on their genes or genetic predisposition to disease or chronic conditions.

“This long-overdue legislation takes an important step toward ensuring that the laws governing patient rights reflect the latest medical technology,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY). “Patients should not be afraid that their genetic composition could ever result in a loss of a job or health insurance coverage.”

The House originally passed the bill by a vote of 420 to 3 on April 25, 2007, after having gone through three separate Committees. The Senate passed the bill with relatively minor amendments and clarifications on April 24, 2008 by a vote of 95 to 0. House passage today sends this landmark bill to the President’s desk for his signature.

“This is a bill with broad bipartisan support that languished for more than a decade,” said Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chairman Pete Stark (D-CA). “Its passage today shows the American people that it does matter who controls Congress. Today’s vote will send it to the White House for the President’s signature. It should have happened years ago.”

By prohibiting the improper use of genetic information, H.R. 493 removes barriers that prevent or discourage patients from seeking tests necessary for early treatment and prevention of diseases and conditions with a genetic component.

“Simply stated, this legislation will provide peace of mind and encourage people to take advantage of the miracles of modern medicine without fear of reprisal or consequences at work or in health care,” Stark said.
The bill is strongly supported by the American public. Indeed, in a survey, 92 percent of Americans stated that they did not want their employers to have access to their genetic information.

The bill is also supported by more than 500 organizations, including the Coalition for Genetic Fairness, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Medical Association, American Nurses Association, American Public Health Association, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, and the Personalized Medicine Coalition.