Four Things You May Not Know About …. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
Genetic information may not be the first thing that comes to mind when employers think about workplace discrimination. However, federal law provides protections for employees based on their genetic information and that of their family members. In this third of a series of blogs [1] examining overlooked or misunderstood provisions of employment laws, we are discussing four things employers may not know about the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, commonly referred to as GINA. Under GINA, which applies to employers with 15 or more employees, it is unlawful to discriminate against applicants or employees based on “genetic information” or to rely upon such information in making employment decisions. Employers are also restricted from requesting, requiring, acquiring or disclosing genetic information, with only a few narrow exceptions. Like many other federal antidiscrimination laws, GINA is enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Com...