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Genetic Counselor Licensing

 Link to: Genetic Technologies Project  NCSL Genetics Laws and Legislative Activity
Updated January 2008

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.

 State Legislation Enacted

Confidentiality
Requirements

Minimum Qualifications
for Obtaining a Genetic
Counselor License

Minimum Qualifications
for Obtaining a
Temporary Genetic
Counselor License

Penalties Specific to Violation of Genetic Counselor Licensing Law

California
Health & Safety Code §124980 - 124981

 Yes

 Yes

 No

  Yes

Illinois 
§225 ILCS 135/

 Yes

 Yes

  Yes

  Yes

Massachusetts
M.G.L.A. 112 § 227-233

 No

 Yes

  Yes

  Yes

Oklahoma
Okl. St. Ann. §63-1-561 - §63-1-570

 No

  Yes

  Yes

  No, but State Board of Health to develop procedures for reviewing cases

Tennessee
T. C. A. § 63-6

 Must follow National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Code of Ethics

 Yes

Yes

Yes

Utah
§58-75
(SB109 amends statute)

 Yes

  Yes

   Yes

   Yes

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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