DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 703 Reengrossed 2021 Regular Session DuBuisson
Abstract: Generally prohibits an insurer's use of genetic information and genetic testing relative to
underwriting purposes of life and long-term care insurance policies and annuities contracts.
Proposed law defines "DNA", "family member", "genetic information", "genetic services", "genetic
test", "individual", and "insurer".
Proposed law generally prohibits an insurer offering life and long-term care insurance policies, or
annuities contracts including group plans, from considering an individual's or the individual's family
member's participation in genetic research for underwriting purposes, unless the results of that
genetic research are included in the individual's medical record provided by the individual for
consideration by the insurer.
Proposed law prohibits an insurer's requests for or receipts of genetic services or clinical research,
and prohibits an insurer from requiring or requesting individuals or family members to take a genetic
test.
Proposed law prohibits an insurer from cancelling or refusing to renew an existing policy based on
the fact that an individual or the individual's family member requested or received genetic services,
or on the fact that an individual or the individual's family member participated in genetic research,
including clinical research that includes genetic services.
Proposed law prohibits an insurer's purchase of an individual's genetic information without the
individual's written consent.
Proposed law, under certain circumstances, does not prevent an insurer from certain actions related
to accessing an individual's medical records for application processes, establishing rules for
eligibility for enrollment, adjusting premium or contribution amounts, increasing premiums for
employers, and considering genetic information relevant to a potential medical condition that
impacts mortality or morbidity, when such consideration is based on sound actuarial principles or
reasonably expected experience.
(Adds R.S. 22:918)