Ask AI
H.R. 2198

Genetic Privacy and Nondiscrimination Act of 1997

Genetic Privacy and Nondiscrimination Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to prohibit a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer offering group coverage, from discriminating in eligibility based on a request for, or receipt of, genetic information or a genetic test. Prohibits such entities from: (1) using genetic information to discriminate in issuance, renewal, premium rates, or benefits; or (2) disclosing or being compelled, by subpoena or any other means, subject to exception, to disclose genetic information about an individual unless authorized by the individual. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply these prohibitions to coverage in the individual market.

Amends Federal law relating to veterans' benefits to mandate standards, consistent with the prohibitions in this Act, regarding genetic information use and disclosure in connection with medical care provided under those provisions.

Makes it an unlawful employment practice for an employer to attempt to acquire, acquire, or use genetic information, or to require a genetic test, of an employee or applicant to discriminate or restrict any right or benefit. Regulates employer disclosure of and access to genetic information. Provides for enforcement through the powers, remedies, and procedures in specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Mandates a report by the National Bioethics Advisory Commission to the Congress regarding standards to provide increased protection for the collection, storage, and use of DNA samples and genetic information.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.

Rep. Stearns, Cliff [R-FL-6](R-FL)Sponsor
53 cosponsors24 D30 R
53cosponsors4committees10actions
  1. CommitteeH11000

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.

    Health and Environment Subcommittee
  2. CommitteeH11000

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and Technology.

    Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation Subcommittee
  3. CommitteeH11000

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

    Health Subcommittee
  4. IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to House Veterans' Affairs

    Veterans' Affairs Committee
  5. IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to House Education and the Workforce

    Education and Workforce Committee
  6. IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to House Government Reform

    Oversight and Government Reform Committee
  7. IntroReferralH11100-A

    Referred to the Committee on Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Government Reform and Oversight, Education and the Workforce, and Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  8. IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to House Commerce

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  9. IntroReferralIntro-H

    Introduced in House

  10. IntroReferral1000

    Introduced in House