To Prohibit Discrimination in Federal Employment Based on Genetic Information
Bans Use of Genetic Information in Federal Hiring and Employment Decisions
What it does
Federal agencies must prohibit genetic-information discrimination and not request or disclose such information except under limited, specified exceptions.
Real-world impact
- Protects federal applicants, employees, and former employees from genetic discrimination.
- Restricts agencies from requesting or disclosing genetic test results without permission.
- Allows limited exceptions for consented health services, safety monitoring, or legal requirements.
Topics
Summary
This order bans discrimination in federal employment based on genetic information or use of genetic services. It requires equal opportunity for all qualified persons and applies to employees, applicants, and former employees covered by federal employment law.
Agencies must not request, use, or disclose genetic information except in limited situations such as with an employee's written consent, for conditional job-offer medical evaluations consistent with law, for safety monitoring with consent, or when required by statute or court order. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission will coordinate implementation.
Questions, answered
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