Final Regulations for GINA Released

November 14, 2010

At long last, the EEOC has published final regulations that interpret and implement the non-discrimination provisions of the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act of 2008 (GINA).  The regulations may be found athttps://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2010/11/09/2010-28011/regulations-under-the-genetic-information-nondiscrimination-act-of-2008.

Of particular interest to employers is disclaimer language that the EEOC has drafted that all employers should insert into any of their medical exam and medical inquiry forms. Such forms are frequently used for post-offer medical exams, FMLA medical certifications and ADA medical information requests.  The specific language offered by the EEOC reads as follows:

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) prohibits employers and other entities covered by GINA Title II from requesting or requiring genetic information of employees or their family members. In order to comply with this law, we are asking that you not provide any genetic information when responding to this request for medical information. ‘Genetic information,’ as defined by GINA, includes an individual’s family medical history, the results of an individual’s or family member’s genetic tests, the fact that an individual or an individual’s family member sought or received genetic services, and genetic information of a fetus carried by an individual or an individual’s family member or an embryo lawfully held by an individual or family member receiving assistive reproductive services.

Employers who insert this language into their medical certifications and requests will be alleviated from liability under GINA in the event that a medical provider discloses genetic information in spite of the warning.