HB 5128, An Act Concerning Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Testing

TESTIMONY OF THE CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE GENERAL LAW COMMITTEE

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning HB 5128, An Act Concerning Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Testing.  CHA requests an amendment to the bill.

Connecticut hospitals make our state stronger by delivering nationally recognized, world-class care, supporting jobs and economic growth, and serving communities across Connecticut.  Every day, hospitals improve access, affordability, and health equity — providing care to all patients regardless of ability to pay.  At the same time, hospitals invest in their workforce and local communities, even as they navigate significant financial and federal challenges.

HB 5128 seeks to provide a consumer with the right to exercise exclusive control over the collection, use, retention, maintenance, disclosure, and destruction of any biological sample derived from their body provided to a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company and related testing results.  The definition of “direct-to-consumer genetic testing company” within the bill could be interpreted to include any genetic testing, including testing ordered by clinicians for medical purposes.  Medical testing is subject to specific federal law requirements with respect to the retention of specimens and related data, which would conflict with the provisions of this bill.  Including medical testing within the provisions of HB 5128 will cause significant confusion, likely impacting genetic testing ordered by clinicians and patient care.

We do not believe it is the intent of the committee to include testing completed for medical purposes and encourage clarifying language.  We are happy to work with the committee on language changes.

As the bill moves through the process, the committee may also wish to include quality metrics as standards that the genetic testing companies must follow, if they do not already follow federal lab requirements.  This additional provision will help protect consumers.

Thank you for your consideration of our position.  For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7301.