Cunningham pushes legislation to help protect sensitive medical information

SPRINGFiELD - State Senator Bill Cunningham is introducing legislation to better privacy protections for individuals undergoing genetic and biomarker testing.

"As technology evolves, our privacy laws need to keep up," said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. "No one in our state should have to worry about sensitive medical information effecting job opportunities or their insurance rate."

Senate Bill 2886 would update Genetic Information Privacy Act to expand existing safeguards to include biomarker testing, in addition to genetic testing. The measure clarifies that information derived from these tests is confidential and privileged, and may only be released to the individual tested or to those specifically authorized in writing.

Under this legislation, insurers would be prohibited from seeking or using information derived from genetic or biomarker testing, unless an individual voluntarily submits favorable results. The bill also would limit employer's access to the information, protecting from discrimination.

"This bill makes it clear that personal health data belongs to the individual," Cunningham said. "People shouldn't have to worry that advances in medicine could be turned into a disadvantage."

Senate Bill 2886 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.