AB 255

This bill provides for regulation and licensing for the practice of genetic

counseling.

Under the bill, subject to certain exceptions, no one may practice genetic

counseling, as defined in the bill, or use the title “genetic counselor” or make similar

representations without a license to practice genetic counseling. A license is granted

by the seven-member Genetic Counselors Affiliated Credentialing Board, created in

the bill. Under the bill, the board is attached for limited purposes to the Medical

Examining Board, which regulates physicians and certain other professions.

Under the bill, the board may grant an initial license to a person who has

successfully completed academic requirements for genetic counseling specified in

the bill, has passed an examination specified in the bill, is certified by the American

Board of Genetic Counseling, does not have an arrest or conviction record, and pays

a fee. The bill also allows the board, for three months after the requirement in the

bill to obtain a license goes into effect, to grant an initial license to practice genetic

counseling to certain individuals who cannot satisfy all of the requirements

described above but who satisfy certain experience and other requirements.

Biennial renewal of a license requires completion of at least 30 hours of continuing

education and maintenance of certification or recertification through the American

Board of Genetic Counseling. The bill also includes provisions for the unlicensed

temporary practice of genetic counseling and temporary licenses to practice genetic

counseling.

The bill requires the board to promulgate rules to adopt the National Society

of Genetic Counselors code of ethics to govern the professional conduct of genetic

counselors, establish licensure renewal requirements, and establish criteria for the

approval of continuing education programs and courses.

The bill includes provisions for the professional discipline of licensees, which

allow the board to take certain actions against a licensee who violates certain

prohibitions in the bill.

Finally, the bill also applies certain other laws, such as the law providing for

confidentiality of health care records and the health care workers whistleblowers

protection law, to licensed genetic counselors.

Because this bill creates a new crime or revises a penalty for an existing crime,

the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties may be requested to prepare a

report.