Washington enacted a law that makes it an unlawful practice for an employer to require that an employee or prospective employee submit genetic information or submit to genetic testing as a condition for continued employment or for new employment.

Title 49, Chapter 49.44 RCW.

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, or the state of Washington, its political subdivisions, or municipal corporations to require, directly or indirectly, that any employee or prospective employee submit genetic information or submit to screening for genetic information as a condition of employment or continued employment. "Genetic information" for purposes of this chapter, is information about inherited characteristics that can be derived from a DNA-based or other laboratory test, family history, or medical examination. "Genetic information" for purposes of this chapter, does not include: (1) Routine physical measurements, including chemical, blood, and urine analysis, unless conducted purposefully to diagnose genetic or inherited characteristics; and (2) results from tests for abuse of alcohol or drugs, or for the presence of HIV.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 6/10/04