A few weeks ago, I posted my thoughts about how the expanded definition of "disability" under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act will affect administration of the Family and Medical Leave Act. I promised to follow up with a post about the impact of the ADAAA on the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act "unless more pressing news intervene[d]. "As expected, I got distracted by Friday the 13th, and "common misconceptions." So, I'm a little behind schedule.

As with my ADAAA/FMLA post, this is a work in progress, and I'd love to get feedback as to whether my ideas are right on target, so-so, or completely misguided.

The GINA, to grossly oversimplify, prohibits the disclosure, use, acquisition or attempted acquisition of "genetic information" as defined in the law, as well as discrimination because of "genetic information" or retaliation, etc.

The regulatory definition of “genetic information” includes not only the individual’s genetic testing information but also that of his or her family members as well as the “manifestation of a disease” in family members (e.g., “Has anyone in your family ever had cancer?”).

It also includes information about the individual’s or family member’s request for genetic services, genetic information of a fetus carried by the individual or family member, and genetic information of an embryo “legally held by the individual or family member using an assisted reproductive technology” (e.g., in vitro fertilization).