Requires genetic testing results only be received by patients and health care providers providing direct care while health insurance companies only receive a record that the genetic testing was performed; provides insurers cannot require access to genetic testing results and cannot take adverse action against someone for not providing genetic testing results.
Summary
Bill S02398 amends the civil rights law to ensure that genetic testing results are kept confidential and only disclosed to patients and their direct healthcare providers. Health insurance companies will only receive confirmation that a genetic test was performed, without access to the actual results. The bill aims to protect individuals' genetic information from being used by insurers in a way that could affect their coverage or premiums.
Impact
The bill significantly impacts the handling of genetic information by health insurers and life insurers in New York. It prohibits these insurers from requiring access to genetic test results for policy issuance or renewal, thereby enhancing the privacy of genetic data. This change aims to prevent discrimination based on genetic predispositions and ensures that individuals are not penalized for not providing such sensitive information.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around Bill S02398 appears to be supportive, as evidenced by the voting history, with a majority of votes in favor during committee and floor votes. The bill has garnered bipartisan support, indicating a shared concern for protecting genetic privacy among legislators.
Contention
Notable points of contention include concerns from some insurance industry representatives who argue that limiting access to genetic test results could complicate risk assessment and claims processing. However, proponents of the bill emphasize the importance of protecting individual privacy and preventing discrimination based on genetic information.
Same As
Requires genetic testing results only be received by patients and health care providers providing direct care while health insurance companies only receive a record that the genetic testing was performed; provides insurers cannot require access to genetic testing results and cannot take adverse action against someone for not providing genetic testing results.
Requires genetic testing results only be received by patients and health care providers providing direct care while health insurance companies only receive a record that the genetic testing was performed; provides insurers cannot require access to genetic testing results and cannot take adverse action against someone for not providing genetic testing results.
Requires genetic testing results only be received by patients and health care providers providing direct care while health insurance companies only receive a record that the genetic testing was performed; provides insurers cannot require access to genetic testing results and cannot take adverse action against someone for not providing genetic testing results.
Providing for duties of direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies and for prohibition on disclosure of genetic data of consumers; and imposing civil penalties.