On May 15, 2025, an Illinois district court denied a motion to dismiss a class action claim under the Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA) against Hospital Sisters Health System and Saint Francis (HSHS).
GIPA regulates the use, disclosure, and acquisition of genetic information, including genetic tests, family medical history, disease manifestation, and genetic services; prohibiting employers from soliciting or using genetic information in employment decisions.
The lawsuit alleges that HSHS required job applicants to disclose family medical histories as part of a pre-employment medical examination, arguing this violates GIPA protections regarding genetic information.
Courts have interpreted GIPA broadly, with lenient standing requirements and a five-year statute of limitations, potentially exposing employers to class action risks if they inquire about family medical history in pre-employment exams.