Delaware § 2317 - Genetics-based discrimination prohibited; health insurance.

§ 2317. Genetics-based discrimination prohibited; health insurance.

(a) For purposes of this section:

(1) “Genetic characteristic” means any inherited gene or chromosome, or alteration thereof, that is scientifically or medically believed to predispose an individual to a disease, disorder, or syndrome, or to be associated with a statistically significant increased risk of development of a disease, disorder, or syndrome.

(2) “Genetic information” means information about inherited genes or chromosomes, and of alterations thereof, whether obtained from an individual or family member, that is scientifically or medically believed to predispose an individual to disease, disorder, or syndrome, or believed to be associated with a statistically significant increased risk of development of a disease, disorder, or syndrome. “Genetic information” includes information regarding carrier status, information regarding an increased likelihood of future disease or increased sensitivity to any substance, information derived from laboratory tests that identify mutations in specific genes or chromosomes, requests for genetic services or counseling, tests of gene products, and direct analysis of genes or chromosomes.

(3) “Genetic test” means a test for determining the presence or absence of an inherited genetic characteristic in an individual, including tests of nucleic acids such as DNA, RNA and mitochondrial DNA, chromosomes or proteins in order to identify a predisposing genetic characteristic associated with disease, disorder, or syndrome.

(4) “Insurance” means “health insurance” as defined in § 3602 of this title. “Insurance” does not include disability insurance or long-term care insurance.

(b) A person may not discriminate against any individual in the issuance, denial, or renewal of or in the fixing of the rates, terms, or conditions for insurance based on any genetic characteristic or genetic information.

(c) No cause of action in the nature of defamation, invasion of privacy or negligence shall arise against any person for disclosing personal or privileged information in accordance with this section, nor shall such a cause of action arise against any person for furnishing personal or privileged information to an insurance institution, agent or insurance support organization; provided however, that this section shall provide no immunity for disclosing or furnishing false information with malice or wilful intent to injure any person. Additionally, no person shall be found in violation of this section because the person receives genetic information or the results of a genetic test through inadvertent disclosure by a medical professional.

71 Del. Laws, c. 457, §  1;  83 Del. Laws, c. 283, § 25;  84 Del. Laws, c. 481, § 1;