A bill that would bar companies from firing, refusing to hire or discriminating against workers based on genetic information has passed the U.S. House.

The House approved the provisions on a 414-1 vote in legislation that would also would prohibit employers from requesting, requiring or buying genetic information, the publication Business Insurance reported.

Also coming under the bill's umbrella would be group health plans and individual healthcare carriers. They would be barred from basing eligibility or setting premiums based on genetic information, such as a woman's genetic likelihood of contracting breast cancer.

Insurers also would be prohibited from seeking or disclosing genetic information.

The bill, which already cleared the Senate, will be sent to President George Bush, who is expected to sign the legislation, the publication said.