AMA Applauds Passage Of New Law To Protect Patients From Genetic Discrimination

Main Category: Genetics
Article Date: 23 May 2008 - 6:00 PDT

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"Patients in the U.S. are now protected against genetic discrimination because of a new law to keep their genetic information secure. The American Medical Association has long called for better patient privacy safeguards as scientific advancements make it possible to individualize health care for patients. The AMA applauds Congress and the president for working together to pass the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007 into federal law.

"Genetic testing holds great promise for improving public health, and patients must be able to trust that their genetic information will be protected from inappropriate and discriminatory uses. This new law will allow patients to take advantage of scientific advances in genetics, such as screenings and therapies, without worrying that their personal health information could be used against them by insurers or employers. Insurers will be prohibited from denying or canceling coverage or raising premiums based on a patient's genetic information and employment-based genetic discrimination will be prohibited.

About the American Medical Association

The American Medical Association helps doctors help patients by uniting physicians nationwide to work on the most important professional and public health issues. Working together, the AMA's quarter of a million physician and medical student members are playing an active role in shaping the future of medicine.

American Medical Association