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EEOC RIN: 3046-AB02 Publication ID: Fall 2014 
Title: Amendments to Regulations Under the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008  
Abstract: This proposed rule would amend the regulations on the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 to address inducements to employees' spouses or other family members who respond to questions about their current or past medical conditions on health risk assessments. This NPRM will also correct a typographical error in the rule's discussion of wellness programs and add references to the Affordable Care Act, where appropriate. 
Agency: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission(EEOC)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1635   
Legal Authority: 42 USC 2000ff   
Legal Deadline:  None

Statement of Need: The revision to 29 CFR 1635.8 is needed to address numerous inquiries received by EEOC about whether an employer will violate the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 by offering an employee a financial inducement if the employee's family member completes an HRA that asks about the family member's current health status. Technical amendments are also needed to correct a typographical error and to include references to the ACA, where appropriate.

Summary of the Legal Basis: GINA, section 211, 42 U.S.C. section 2000ff-10, requires the EEOC to issue regulations implementing title II of the Act. The EEOC issued regulations on November 9, 2010. These proposed revisions are based on that statutory requirement.

Alternatives: The EEOC will consider all alternatives offered by public commenters.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: Based on the information currently available, the Commission does not anticipate that the rule will impose additional costs on employers, beyond minimal costs to train human resource professionals. The regulation does not impose any new employer reporting or recordkeeping obligations. We anticipate that the changes will benefit entities covered by title II of GINA by clarifying that employers who offer wellness programs are free to adopt a certain type of inducement without violating GINA, as well as correcting an internal citation, and providing citations to the ACA.

Risks: The proposed rule imposes no new or additional risks to employers. The proposal does not address risks to public safety or the environment.

Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  02/00/2015 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Christopher Kuczynski
Assistant Legal Counsel, Office of Legal Counsel
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
131 M Street NE,
Washington, DC 20507
Phone:202 663-4665
TDD Phone:202 663-7026
Fax:202 653-6034
Email: christopher.kuczynski@eeoc.gov

Kerry Leibig
Senior Attorney Advisor, Office of Legal Counsel
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
131 M Street NE,
Washington, DC 20507
Phone:202 663-4516
Fax:202 653-6056
Email: kerry.leibig@eeoc.gov