Subdivision 1. Name and citation. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Genetic Discrimination Act."
Subd. 2. Definitions. (a) As used in this section, "commissioner" means the commissioner of commerce for health plan companies and other insurers regulated by that commissioner and the commissioner of health for health plan companies regulated by that commissioner.
(b) As used in this section, a "genetic test" means a presymptomatic test of a person's genes, gene products, or chromosomes for the purpose of determining the presence or absence of a gene or genes that exhibit abnormalities, defects, or deficiencies, including carrier status, that are known to be the cause of a disease or disorder, or are determined to be associated with a statistically increased risk of development of a disease or disorder. "Genetic test" does not include a cholesterol test or other test not conducted for the purpose of determining the presence or absence of a person's gene or genes.
(c) As used in this section, "health plan" has the meaning given in section 62Q.01, subdivision 3.
(d) As used in this section, "health plan company" has the meaning given in section 62Q.01, subdivision 4.
(e) As used in this section, "individual" means an applicant for coverage or a person already covered by the health plan company or other insurer.
Subd. 3. Prohibited acts; health plan companies. A health plan company, in determining eligibility for coverage, establishing premiums, limiting coverage, renewing coverage, or any other underwriting decision, shall not, in connection with the offer, sale, or renewal of a health plan:
(1) require or request an individual or a blood relative of the individual to take a genetic test;
(2) make any inquiry to determine whether an individual or a blood relative of the individual has taken or refused a genetic test, or what the results of any such test were;
(3) take into consideration the fact that a genetic test was taken or refused by an individual or blood relative of the individual; or
(4) take into consideration the results of a genetic test taken by an individual or a blood relative of the individual.
Subd. 4. Application. Subdivisions 5, 6, and 7 apply only to a life insurance company or fraternal benefit society requiring a genetic test for the purpose of determining insurability under a policy of life insurance.
Subd. 5. Informed consent. If an individual agrees to take a genetic test, the life insurance company or fraternal benefit society shall obtain the individual's written informed consent for the test. Written informed consent must include, at a minimum, a description of the specific test to be performed; its purpose, potential uses, and limitations; the meaning of its results; and the right to confidential treatment of the results. The written informed consent must inform the individual that the individual should consider consulting with a genetic counselor prior to taking the test and must state whether the insurer will pay for any such consultation. An informed consent disclosure form must be approved by the commissioner prior to its use.
Subd. 6. Notification. The life insurance company or fraternal benefit society shall notify an individual of a genetic test result by notifying the individual or the individual's designated physician. If the individual tested has not given written consent authorizing a physician to receive the test results, the individual must be urged, at the time that the individual is informed of the genetic test result described in this subdivision, to contact a genetic counselor or other health care professional.
Subd. 7. Payment for test. A life insurance company or fraternal benefit society shall not require an individual to submit to a genetic test unless the cost of the test is paid by the life insurance company or fraternal benefit society.
Subd. 8. Enforcement. A violation of this section is subject to the investigative and enforcement authority of the commissioner, who shall enforce this section.
1995 c 251 s 1
Structure Minnesota Statutes
Chapters 59A - 79A — Insurance
Chapter 72A — Insurance Industry Trade Practices
Section 72A.02 — Violations As To Policies Of Insurance.
Section 72A.03 — Agent Of Insurer; Procuring Premiums By Fraud.
Section 72A.04 — False Statements In Application.
Section 72A.05 — Failure To Make Report Or Comply With Law.
Section 72A.061 — Mandatory Filings; Failure To Comply; Penalties.
Section 72A.07 — Violations Of Laws Relating To Agents, Penalties.
Section 72A.09 — Violations Where Offense Is Not Specifically Designated.
Section 72A.10 — Failure To Appear Or Obstructing Commissioner.
Section 72A.11 — Complainant Entitled To One-half Of Fine In Certain Cases.
Section 72A.12 — Life Insurance.
Section 72A.125 — Rental Vehicle Personal Accident Insurance; Special Requirements.
Section 72A.13 — Accident And Health Insurance, Violations Of Certain Sections.
Section 72A.135 — Failure To Follow Dividend And Pricing Policy; Penalties.
Section 72A.139 — Use Of Genetic Tests.
Section 72A.15 — Penalty For Violation Of Law Providing For Insurance In Unlicensed Companies.
Section 72A.16 — Mutual Companies.
Section 72A.17 — Purpose Of Sections 72a.17 To 72a.32.
Section 72A.19 — Unfair Methods And Unfair Or Deceptive Acts And Practices.
Section 72A.20 — Methods, Acts, And Practices Which Are Defined As Unfair Or Deceptive.
Section 72A.201 — Regulation Of Claims Practices.
Section 72A.2031 — Definitions.
Section 72A.2032 — Duties Of Insurers And Insurance Producers.
Section 72A.2033 — Insurance Producer Training.
Section 72A.2035 — Record Keeping.
Section 72A.2036 — Relationship To Other Laws; Enforcement.
Section 72A.204 — Prohibited Uses Of Senior-specific Certifications And Professional Designations.
Section 72A.207 — Graded Death Benefits.
Section 72A.21 — Power Of Commissioner.
Section 72A.22 — Hearing; Witnesses; Production Of Books.
Section 72A.25 — Unfair Competition.
Section 72A.26 — Intervention.
Section 72A.285 — Claim For Insurance Benefits; Release Of Summary Information.
Section 72A.29 — Concurrent Remedies.
Section 72A.30 — Evidential Privilege Denied; Immunity; Waiver.
Section 72A.31 — Certain Acts Deemed Unfair Method Of Competition.
Section 72A.32 — Violations, Procedure.
Section 72A.325 — Insurance For Funeral Or Burial Expense; Freedom Of Choice.
Section 72A.328 — Affinity Group.
Section 72A.33 — Purpose Of Act, Construction.
Section 72A.35 — Notice To Domiciliary Supervisory Official.
Section 72A.36 — Action By Commissioner.
Section 72A.37 — Service Upon Unauthorized Insurer.
Section 72A.38 — Severability.
Section 72A.41 — Transacting Business Without Certificate Of Authority.
Section 72A.42 — Enforcement Authority.
Section 72A.43 — Service Of Process Upon Unauthorized Company By Commissioner.
Section 72A.491 — Definitions.
Section 72A.493 — Obtaining Information By Improper Means.
Section 72A.495 — Marketing And Research Surveys.
Section 72A.496 — Investigative Consumer Reports.
Section 72A.497 — Access To Personal Information.
Section 72A.498 — Correction, Amendment, Or Deletion Of Personal Information.
Section 72A.499 — Reasons For Adverse Underwriting Decisions.
Section 72A.50 — Previous Adverse Underwriting Decisions.
Section 72A.501 — Disclosure Authorization.
Section 72A.502 — Disclosure Of Information; Limitations And Conditions.
Section 72A.503 — Private Remedies.
Section 72A.504 — Obtaining Information Under Improper Means.