Which law protects individuals from genetic discrimination in the workplace?

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) is specifically designed to protect individuals from discrimination based on their genetic information in the workplace. This law prohibits employers from using genetic information to make decisions regarding hiring, firing, promotion, and other employment-related actions. It also restricts employers from requesting or requiring genetic information from employees or applicants, thereby addressing concerns related to privacy and the potential misuse of genetic data.

While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) focuses primarily on healthcare access and coverage, it does not specifically address workplace genetic discrimination. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is centered on protecting patient health information and does not extend to employment contexts. The Civil Rights Act addresses discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin, but does not cover genetic information as a basis for discrimination. Thus, GINA is the most relevant law in safeguarding against genetic discrimination in the workplace.