H.R. 493  Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007

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Dear Representative:

 

On behalf of the more than 60,000 clinically practicing physician assistants (PAs) represented by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), I am pleased to communicate the Academy's support for H.R. 493, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007. The Academy urges the U.S. House of Representatives to pass this critically important legislation.

 

Advances in the science and medical application of genetics offer tremendous opportunity for early detection and treatment of illnesses. However, patients can not fully participate in genetic research, testing, and therapies unless they are assured that neither they nor their families will suffer from genetic discrimination.

 

H.R. 493 provides that assurance to patients and their families by establishing federal standards that

 

• Extend medical privacy and confidentiality rules to the disclosure of genetic information
• Make it unlawful to discriminate against an employee or deprive an individual of employment opportunities because of genetic information
• Prohibit the collection and distribution of genetic information.

 

The Academy applauds the work of the Committees on Education and Labor, Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means for their efforts in advancing this important legislation. We all benefit through the advancement of medical science, and H.R. 493 provides the necessary protections for patients to embrace the science of genetics.

 

The Academy looks forward to the enactment of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. Should you have questions about the AAPA, the PA profession, or the Academy's support for H.R. 493, please ask your staff to contact Sandy Harding, AAPA's Director of Federal Affairs at 703/836-2272, extension 3205.

 

Sincerely yours,

 

Mary P. Ettari, MPH, PA-C

President