Genetic Counselor Licensing
Updated January 2008
Link to: Genetic Technologies Project
As of January 2008, six states have enacted legislation to require a license to practice genetic counseling. These laws may define the practice of genetic counseling; set forth licensure requirements; provide for the confidentiality of patient information in the practice of genetic counseling; and establish penalties for violations of the law.
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State Legislation Enacted
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Confidentiality
Requirements
|
Minimum Qualifications
for Obtaining a Genetic
Counselor License
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Minimum Qualifications
for Obtaining a
Temporary Genetic
Counselor License
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Penalties Specific to Violation of Genetic Counselor Licensing Law
|
California
Health & Safety Code §124980 and §124981 |
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
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Illinois
§225 ILCS 135/ |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
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Massachusetts
M.G.L.A. 112 § 227-233 |
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
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Oklahoma
Okl. St. Ann. §63-1-561 to §63-1-570 |
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No, but State Board of Health to develop procedures for reviewing cases
|
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Tennessee
T. C. A. § 63-6
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Must follow National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Code of Ethics
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
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Utah
§58-75
(SB109 amends statute)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
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Yes
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Resources for policymakers below are provided for informational purposes only. The information on these websites do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of NCSL.
Genetic Counseling Resources for Policymakers
American Board of Genetic Counseling
http://www.abgc.net/
National Society of Genetic Counselors
http://www.nsgc.org/
University of Kansas Medical Center, Genetics Education Center, List of Universities with Genetic Counseling Programs http://www.kumc.edu/gec/prof/gcprogs.html
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