President Bush signed the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act today, which prevents employers from using genetic test results that indicate disease risks or predisposition in making hiring, firing, and promotion decisions and insurance companies from using such information in determining coverage eligibility and premium amounts.
In its findings, Congress determined that a ”national and uniform basic standard” is needed as most state laws regarding genetic discrimination by healthcare insurance companies and employers are inconsistent and federal law does not offer adequate protection against this type of discrimination.
Source: http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2008/05/bush-signs-legislation-to-bar-genetic.php
