A national society of genetics researchers, counselors, nurses and college professors is opposing legislation U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, co-sponsored to clarify nondiscrimination rules for employee health insurance programs that provide incentives, rebates, surcharges or penalties based on lifestyle choices such as being over weight or smoking.

The proposed legislation would allow employers to ask invasive questions of employees and penalize employees who choose not to disclose the information, the American Society of Human Genetics said in a press release issued on Wednesday.

While ASHG applauds efforts to improve employee wellness, employee protections against genetic discrimination must not be sacrificed, said Nancy Cox, president of the society. Americans must be able to continue to volunteer for research and benefit from genetic-based-clinical advances without fear of workplace discrimination based on its findings.

Stefanik on Tuesday co-sponsored the legislation, dubbed the Preserving Employee Wellness Act, which Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., introduced March 2, according to the Library of Congress government information web site.

The legislation HR 1313 had three co-sponsors, as of Thursday all Republicans.

Congress has a strong tradition of protecting and preserving employee workplace programs, including programs that utilize a health risk assessment, biometric screening, or other resources to inform and empower employees in making healthier lifestyle choices, the legislation reads. Health promotion and prevention programs are a means to reduce the burden of chronic illness, improve health and limit the growth of health care costs.

The legislation includes language to protect privacy.

Congress has struck an appropriate balance among employees, health care providers, and wellness plan sponsors to protect individual privacy and confidentiality in a wellness program which is designed to improve health outcomes, the legislation reads.

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Genetics organization opposes Stefanik-backed workplace wellness ... - Glens Falls Post-Star (blog)