New bill would let companies force workers to get genetic tests, share results
Under guise of “voluntary” wellness programs, employees’ genetics could be exposed.
A new bill that is quietly moving through the House would allow companies to strong-arm their employees into taking genetic tests and then sharing that data with unregulated third parties as well as the employer. Employees that resist could face penalties of thousands of dollars.
On Wednesday, the House Education and the Workforce Committee approved HR 1313 along party lines. At this point it should be no surprise that it was 22 Republicans supporting and 17 Democrats opposing the bill.
Patrik Söderström says
How could there be penalties? It's always the possibility to quit the job? (I am of course against this, it sounds insane)
Paul Ferguson says
That's got to be unconstitutional.
Paul Spoerry says
Via the linked article (and in the description I posted), "Employees that resist could face penalties of thousands of dollars." So… there ya go. On top of that this would allow your genetic information to be shared with more than just your healthcare professional but to anyone, inclusive of advertisers (which some third parties ALREADY do).
Patrik Söderström says
But how? Would the employee sign a contract on that when he starts?
Paul Spoerry says
You're assuming it's only during the hiring period.
Terry Kontopoulos says
The land of Brave and FREE!!! We deserve our governments…
Paul Ferguson says
#resist