HELP: MY CA EMPLOYER WANTS A DNA SAMPLE!
Some California employers have started asking employees, both old and new, for the most personal of information: their DNA. Is this legal? Unfortunately, yes. IF your employer is using the information to run a background check on you. However, it is very likely that your employer could also use your DNA to discover information about your health — like your genetic risk for cancer, heart disease or mental illness. This would violate labor laws, including GINA.
GINA prohibits your health insurer and your employer from using your genetic information against you, meaning, for example, that your health insurer can’t collect your genetic information to make decisions about the insurance you get or how much it costs. The law also says your employer can't use it to make decisions about hiring, firing or job promotions. While it is hard to ensure that your employer isn’t requesting a DNA sample for illegal reasons, an experienced employment attorney can help you determine whether your rights have been violated.
If you are an employee in CA who believes that you have been discriminated against at work because of your DNA, call the skilled employment attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP. Our skilled legal team can help you. Call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) NOW for a free consultation regarding your legal rights or visit us at our website at www.discriminationattorney.com for more information about all types of discrimination at work.
