New GOP Bill Would Force Workers To Undergo Mandatory Genetic Testing Or Pay Thousands In Fines

A concerning new bill known as H.R. 1313 is quietly making its way through Congress that, if passed, would allow companies to require employees to take genetic tests or face steep penalties. This Republican-backed legislation represents a disturbing attack on workers’ rights and genetic privacy that demands close scrutiny.

H.R. 1313 would essentially dismantle existing protections like GINA, the 2008 Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. For over a decade, this landmark law has safeguarded employees against mandatory genetic testing by employers. But the new GOP bill includes explicit language stating that GINA does not apply when genetic tests are part of workplace “wellness” programs.

By skirting GINA’s protections, HR. 1313 gives employers immense new power to coerce employees into providing genetic test results. Those who refuse could be slapped with punitive fines of thousands of dollars This coercive approach tramples personal liberties and civil rights while benefiting big business interests.

How H.R. 1313 Opens The Door To Mandatory Genetic Testing

H,R, 1313 manages to circumvent GINA by clarifying that workplace wellness programs are exempt from the law, It states that employers implementing wellness initiatives can demand genetic testing from personnel,

Under this vision, employees could be punished with surcharges of up to 30% or more on health insurance costs for opting out. For a family plan, this could amount to over $2000 in fines annually. Employees at companies without health insurance could see the fines deducted directly from paychecks.

By removing protections provided by GINA and the Americans with Disabilities Act, the GOP bill gives employers free rein to acquire and utilize employees’ genetic data. The breadth of health-related information employers could access extends well beyond genetics.

H.R. 1313 would also permit questioning staff on medical histories, pregnancy plans, mental health, disabilities, and more – all under the guise of “voluntary” workplace wellness programs.

GOP Supporters Tout Benefits While Ignoring Risks

Backers of the Republican-sponsored bill argue it will expand access to beneficial wellness programs. However, evidence shows these programs fail to significantly improve overall worker health.

Meanwhile, supporters downplay the grave threats posed by allowing employers to coerce genetic testing. Make no mistake, the potential for discrimination and abuse is high. Access to genetic profiles could easily enable bias, harassment, and unfair treatment.

Despite the risks, committee voting resulted in united support from all 22 GOP representatives. Conversely, all 17 Democrat committee members opposed H.R. 1313 over the obvious dangers it presents.

Genetic Privacy Advocates Sound Alarm on H.R. 1313

For proponents of genetic and health privacy rights, the proposed H.R. 1313 legislation sets a frightening precedent. Over 50 health advocacy groups penned a letter imploring Congress to reject the bill based on the disastrous impact it would have.

Medical professionals have also voiced concerns, including the American Society of Human Genetics. In a statement, the ASHG president warned H.R. 1313 would “allow employers to ask employees invasive questions” about genetic tests while levying “stiff financial penalties” on those choosing privacy.

H.R. 1313 Builds On Past Efforts To Expand Workplace Wellness Programs

This attempt to expand employer access to genetic data did not materialize overnight. The framework was put in place via previous policy decisions.

For instance, the Affordable Care Act empowered employers to penalize personnel who opt out of workplace wellness initiatives. However, some limitations remained in place – restrictions H.R. 1313 now seeks to remove.

The business lobby has been lobbying to erase these restrictions for years. With a Republican majority in Congress and the White House, they finally have the opportunity to achieve their goal of mandatory genetic testing.

What’s Next for H.R. 1313 and Mandatory Genetic Testing

Currently, H.R. 1313 still needs to clear the full House and Senate. The GOP holds a majority in both chambers, improving the bill’s odds of being enacted. Efforts to slip it into larger “must-pass” healthcare legislation could also succeed.

However, as public awareness of this encroachment on genetic privacy grows, voter backlash may also build. Those concerned about protecting civil liberties need to contact representatives immediately and often to voice their opposition.

For American workers, defeat of H.R. 1313 is essential to prevent becoming subject to mandatory genetic testing. This disturbing overreach would inflict tangible harm through discrimination and violations of privacy.

Genetic data can provide vital insights to guide personalized medicine. But no one should be compelled to share this sensitive information with their employer. H.R. 1313’s poor attempt to dismantle key protections like GINA must be rejected to preserve essential freedoms.