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GINA - Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
4. What steps should an employer take to ensure it doesn't violate GINA?
Here are some best practices worth implementing.
- Add genetic testing to the list of characteristics upon which the company will not discriminate, such as those listed in discrimination and harassment policies, on equal employment opportunity statements, etc.
- Check that pre-employment exams exclude genetic information from the results.
- Never require applicants or employees to disclose their family medical history, unless necessary to comply with state and family medical leave laws.
- Audit the administration of employee health benefits to determine if changes are necessary.
- Screen all employee medical information upon receipt to determine if it contains genetic information, and, if so, store accordingly.
- Implement policies and procedures to prevent the inadvertent disclosure of genetic information.