United States · Statute
Public Law 110-233
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008
- Status
- Statute
- Effective date
- Not stated
- Last reviewed
- August 31, 2026
- Source review
- Primary source reviewed
Summary
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, or GINA, is a federal law that restricts how covered health insurers and employers may use genetic information when making health-coverage or employment decisions. Separate parts of the law govern health coverage and employment. Each part contains its own definitions, exceptions, effective dates, and enforcement rules.
Topics: Employment Nondiscrimination · Health Insurance Nondiscrimination
What it requires or prohibits
Title I limits how covered health plans and insurers may request or use genetic information. Title II limits how covered employers and other employment entities may acquire, use, or disclose genetic information. Both titles contain exceptions and enforcement provisions.
In plain language
GINA protects genetic information in two main settings: health coverage and employment. It generally prevents covered health insurers and employers from using that information in certain decisions. It does not provide the same protections for life, disability, or long-term care insurance.
Primary sources
- Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, Public Law 110-233. U.S. Government Publishing Office. Accessed August 31, 2026.
Record details
Record metadata
Record history
- May 21, 2008: Signed into law. Source: Public Law 110-233.
- August 31, 2026: Record created from the enrolled public law.
- September 2, 2026: Project-authored language and scope note revised for clarity.
Technical metadata
Record ID: federal-gina-2008
Topics: employment-nondiscrimination, health-insurance-nondiscrimination
Record data file: data/federal/federal-gina-2008.yaml
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Cite this record
Who Owns Your DNA? Public Law 110-233: Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008. U.S. Genetics & Genomics Law and Policy Tracker. Record version 1.1. Accessed [date]. https://whoownsyourdna.org/records/federal-gina-2008/