Fedweek

Although the administration cited no instances in which abuses of genetic information has occurred in the federal employment realm, such discrimination already is occurring in the private sector, it says. Confidentiality of genetic test results is a major concern of the public and in one survey 15 percent of individuals at risk of developing a genetic condition reported that they had been denied a job or fired because of a family genetic condition, even if no symptoms are apparent. The White House says the government’s policy will serve as a model for private sector employers; it meanwhile endorsed legislation that would apply similar policies outside government.