Rhode Island General Laws 5-92-6. Genetic counselors – License applications – Fee – Educational and professional requirements
An application for an original license or license renewal shall be made on forms approved by the department. The initial fee for application for licensure is one hundred seventy dollars ($170). Licenses shall be renewed every twenty-four (24) months after initial licensure upon payment of a fee of one hundred seventy dollars ($170) and in compliance with any additional requirements that the department promulgates. An applicant for an original license shall:
(1) Meet educational experience qualifications as follows:
(i) Successfully completed a genetic counseling education program approved by the department; provided, however, that the program shall meet the educational standards established by the ACGC or its successor; and provided, further, that the genetic counselor remains certified in accordance with the ABGC or ABMG, or their successors; or
(ii) Earned a master’s degree from a genetic counseling training program that is accredited by the ACGC or an equivalent as determined by the ACGC, or a doctoral degree from a medical genetics training program that is accredited by the ABMG or an equivalent as determined by the ABMG.
(2) Have passed the examination for certification as:
(i) A genetic counselor by the American Board of Genetic Counseling or the American Board of Medical Genetics, or successor or equivalent; or
(ii) A medical geneticist by the American Board of Medical Genetics, or successor or equivalent.
(3) Within six (6) months after licensure applications being available, an applicant for a license as a genetic counselor may, in lieu of the requirements set forth in subsection (2) of this section, submit evidence satisfactory to the department, prior to the date of passage of this chapter [June 29, 2022], of the following:
(i) Acquisition of eight (8) years of experience in the practice of genetic counseling;
(ii) Award, from an accredited institution of higher education, of a master’s or doctoral degree in genetics or a related field; and
(iii) Attendance at a continuing education program approved by the National Society of Genetic Counselors within the five-year (5) period prior to the date of application.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 301, § 1, effective June 29, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 302, § 1, effective June 29, 2022.
Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 5-92-6
- ABGC: means the American Board of Genetic Counseling, a national agency for certification and recertification of genetic counselors or its successor agency. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-92-3
- ABMG: means the American Board of Medical Genetics, a national agency for certification and recertification of genetic counselors, MD and DO geneticists and Ph. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-92-3
- ACGC: means the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC), an accreditation board for genetic counselor training programs or its successor agency. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-92-3
- Department: means the department of health. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-92-3
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Practice of genetic counseling: means a communication process, conducted by one or more appropriately trained individuals that may include:
(i) Obtaining and evaluating individual, family, and medical histories to determine genetic risk for genetic/medical conditions and diseases in a patient, the patient's offspring, and other family members;
(ii) Discussing the features, natural history, means of diagnosis, genetic and environmental factors, and management of risk for genetic/medical conditions and diseases;
(iii) Identifying, ordering, and coordinating genetic laboratory tests as appropriate for the genetic assessment;
(iv) Integrating genetic laboratory test results and other diagnostic studies with personal and family medical history to assess and communicate risk factors for genetic/medical conditions and diseases;
(v) Explaining the clinical implications of genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies and their results;
(vi) Evaluating the client's or family's responses to the condition or risk of recurrence and providing client-centered counseling and anticipatory guidance;
(vii) Identifying and utilizing community resources that provide medical, educational, financial, and psychosocial support and advocacy;
(viii) Providing written documentation of medical, genetic, and counseling information for families and healthcare professionals; and
(ix) When necessary, referring patients to a physician for diagnosis and treatment. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-92-3