Rhode Island General Laws 5-92-4. Genetic counselor license required
Effective July 1, 2023, a license shall be required to engage in the practice of genetic counseling. No person shall hold themselves out as a genetic counselor unless they are licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. No person who is not so licensed may use in connection with their 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 that a person holds a genetic counselor license unless the person holds a genetic counselor license.
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 5-92-4
- Licensed genetic counselor: means a person licensed under this chapter to engage in the practice of genetic counseling. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-92-3
- Person: means an individual and does not mean an association of individuals or a legal entity. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-92-3
- 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