TITLE XXX
OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS
Chapter 326-K
GENETIC COUNSELORS
Section 326-K:1
326-K:1 Definitions. –
In this chapter and RSA 328-F:
I. "ABGC" means the American Board of Genetic Counseling, its equivalent, or successor.
II. "ABMG" means the American Board of Medical Genetics, its equivalent, or successor.
III. "Board" means the genetic counselors governing board established in RSA 328-F.
IV. "Genetic counselor" means an individual, who is licensed by the board under this chapter, to engage in the practice of genetic counseling.
V. "NSGC" means the National Society of Genetic Counselors, its equivalent, or successor.
VI. "Practice of genetic counseling" means, for the purposes of advising an individual client, a client's family, or other licensed health care professionals:
(a) Obtaining and evaluating individual, family, and medical histories to determine genetic risk for genetic or medical conditions and diseases in a patient, his or her offspring, and other family members;
(b) Discussing the features, natural history, means of diagnosis, genetic and environmental factors, and management of risk for genetic or medical conditions and diseases;
(c) Identifying and coordinating genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies as appropriate for the genetic assessment;
(d) Integrating genetic laboratory test results and other diagnostic studies with personal and family medical history to assess and communicate risk factors for genetic or medical conditions and diseases;
(e) Explaining the clinical implications of genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies and their results;
(f) Evaluating the client's or family's responses to the condition or risk of recurrence and provide client-centered counseling and anticipatory guidance; and
(g) Providing written documentation of medical, genetic, and counseling information for families and health care professionals.
Source. 2013, 271:1, eff. July 1, 2013.
Section 326-K:2
326-K:2 Exemptions From Licensure. –
Except for the requirements under RSA 326-K:8, the requirements for licensure under this chapter shall not apply to:
I. Any person licensed by the state to practice in a profession other than that of genetic counseling when acting within the scope of the person's profession and doing work of a nature consistent with the person's training. Such person shall not hold himself or herself out to the public as a genetic counselor.
II. Any person employed as a genetic counselor by the federal government or an agency thereof if such person provides genetic counseling services solely under the direction and control of the organization by which he or she is employed.
III. A student, if the following conditions apply:
(a) The student is enrolled in an ABGC accredited genetic counseling educational program;
(b) The genetic counseling services performed by the student are an integral part of the student's course of study;
(c) The genetic counseling services are performed under the direct supervision of a licensed genetic counselor; and
(d) The student is designated by the title, "genetic counseling intern."
Source. 2013, 271:1, eff. July 1, 2013.
Section 326-K:3
326-K:3 Eligibility for Initial Licensure. –
In addition to requirements under RSA 328-F, the board shall require the following as a minimum to qualify for licensure. Each applicant shall:
I. Comply with the NSGC Code of Ethics.
II. Provide satisfactory evidence of having fulfilled the following criteria:
(a) Genetic counselor currently certified by ABGC or ABMG; or
(b) Medical geneticist currently certified by ABMG.
III. Be at least 18 years of age.
IV. Be of good moral character.
V. Demonstrate sufficient evidence of good professional character and reliability to satisfy the board that the applicant shall faithfully and conscientiously avoid professional misconduct and adhere to this chapter, RSA 328-F, and the board's rules.
Source. 2013, 271:1, eff. July 1, 2013.
Section 326-K:4
326-K:4 Provisional License. –
I. A provisional license may be issued by the office to an applicant who meets all of the requirements for licensure except for the certification component and has been granted active candidate status by ABGC.
II. A provisional license shall be valid for the ABGC examination cycle for which active candidate status by the ABGC has been granted. Such provisional license shall expire automatically upon the earliest of the following:
(a) Issuance of a full license;
(b) Thirty days after the applicant fails to pass the certification examination; or
(c) Two years from the issuance of a provisional license.
III. A provisional license may only be extended upon approval of the office for good cause shown.
IV. A provisional licensed genetic counselor shall work under the general supervision of a licensed genetic counselor or a licensed physician at all times during which the provisional licensed genetic counselor performs genetic counseling. An application for extension of the provisional license shall be signed by the supervising licensed genetic counselor or supervising licensed physician.
V. The office is authorized to issue conditional provisional licenses in accordance with governing board rules adopted pursuant to RSA 541-A.
Source. 2013, 271:1, eff. July 1, 2013. 2023, 79:295, eff. Sept. 1, 2023.
Section 326-K:5
326-K:5 Prohibition on Unlicensed Practice; Professional Identification. –
I. No person shall practice or represent himself or herself as a genetic counselor in this state without first applying for and receiving a license or provisional license from the office to practice as a licensed genetic counselor.
II. A genetic counselor whose license is suspended or revoked or whose surrender of license with or without prejudice has been accepted by the board, shall promptly deliver the original license to the board.
III. Individuals holding currently valid licenses issued under this chapter may use the title "genetic counselor" and write the designation "licensed genetic counselor" following his or her written name.
IV. No person shall represent himself or herself or the services offered by using the term genetic counselor unless he or she is licensed in accordance with this chapter. No person, who is not so licensed may use in connection with his or her name or place of business, the title "genetic counselor," "licensed genetic counselor," "gene counselor," "genetic consultant," "genetic associate," or any words, letters, abbreviations or insignia indicating or implying a person holds a genetic counseling license, or any similar words if the intent of such use is to imply that the person is licensed.
V. Any person who states or implies by word or act that he or she is currently licensed to practice genetic counseling at a time when he or she does not hold a currently valid license shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Source. 2013, 271:1, eff. July 1, 2013. 2023, 79:296, eff. Sept. 1, 2023.
Section 326-K:6
326-K:6 Repealed by 2023, 79:298, eff. Sept. 1, 2023. –
Section 326-K:7
326-K:7 Repealed by 2021, 197:23, I, eff. July 1, 2021. –
Section 326-K:8
326-K:8 Privileged Communications. –
In addition to RSA 328-F:28:
I. No person shall disclose any information or results related to a genetic evaluation, assessment, laboratory test, diagnostic study, or written documentation of genetic counseling, to any person other than the client without prior written consent.
II. Information and results may be made available to the board or the office for use in an investigation or disciplinary proceeding under RSA 328-F concerning a licensed genetic counselor only if the results are coded to maintain confidentiality of the client.
III. A violation of this section shall be subject to a civil action by an aggrieved individual and, if successful, the aggrieved individual shall be awarded special or general damages of not less than $10,000 for each violation, and costs and reasonable legal fees.
Source. 2013, 271:1, eff. July 1, 2013. 2023, 79:297, eff. Sept. 1, 2023.
Section 326-K:9
326-K:9 Rulemaking. –
In addition to rules adopted pursuant to RSA 328-F:11, the board shall adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A relative to:
I. Eligibility requirements for provisional licenses.
II. [Repealed.]
III. The requirements for direction and supervision of those practicing under provisional licenses.
IV. The limitations on practice imposed on those practicing under provisional licenses.
Source. 2013, 271:1, eff. July 1, 2013. 2021, 197:23, II, eff. July 1, 2021.
Section 326-K:10
326-K:10 Eligibility for Renewal of Licenses. –
Licensees are eligible for renewal of their licenses if they:
I. Have completed 50 hours of continuing education which meet the requirements established by the board through rulemaking pursuant to RSA 541-A and at least 50 percent of which are directly related to the practice of genetic counseling.
II. Have not violated this chapter or RSA 328-F nor demonstrated poor professional character.
Source. 2013, 271:1, eff. July 1, 2013.