Resource Center: genetics, laws

The Committee on Genetics studies and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors on recent advances in genetics and provides support to chapters on state legislative issues as they relate to genetics. This is a description of current AAP policy statements authored by the COG.

A table which provides a current summary of state laws pertaining to the use of genetic information in health insurance. Restrictions on the use of genetic information in health insurance may address the use of genetic information in individual insurance, group insurance or both.

A description of the Rehabilitation Act which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by Federal agencies, in programs receiving Federal financial assistance, in Federal employment, and in the employment practices of Federal contractors.

The website for the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 contains a section for other federal agencies with ADA responsibilities, general ADA publications, and other resources.

The website for the The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 contains a section for understanding the HIPAA privacy act, statute and rules, how to file a complaint, a news archive, and an FAQ section.

A fact sheet on the Genetic The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, intended for general informational purposes only, provides an explanation of the statute to assist those involved in clinical research to understand the law and its prohibitions related to discrimination in health coverage and employment based on genetic information. The information should not be considered legal advice. In addition, some of the provisions discussed involve issues for which the rules have not yet been finalized, and this information is subject to revision based on publication of regulations.

A copy of the Genetic Nondiscrimination Act, a new Federal law that prohibits discrimination in health coverage and employment based on genetic information

The Human Genome Project website provides a review of Genetics Privacy and Legislation, including discussion of existing federal and state legislation, proposed bills, and future recommendations.

This sectoin of the AAFP's website offers information on policy and advocacy, with sections on health care reform, learning how to lobby, speaking out for family medicine, and learning more about the patient-centered medical home. There is also a section of PDF copies of weekly summaries of legislative news from the AAFP's Government Affairs office in Washington, D.C. to help you stay current with the Washington Update.