PhotoA bill in Congress could make it harder for workers to keep employers from getting access to their personal medical and genetic information and raise the financial penalties for those who opt out of workplace wellness programs. Critics claim it undermines existing laws aimed at protecting an individual’s personal medical information from use by employer and others. Employees can opt out of these programs, and personal information specific to a worker is not supposed to be shared directly with the company. Companies defend the wellness programs, saying they keep workers healthier and help reduce insurance costs. The bill “is trying to streamline the regulatory scheme,” said Kathryn Wilber, a senior official at the American Benefits Council, which represents employers’ interests.

Source: New York Times March 11, 2017 01:52 UTC