Bill Text: CT SB00370 | 2012 | General Assembly | Introduced

Connecticut Senate Bill 370 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: An Act Concerning Services Provided By Genetic Counselors.

Spectrum: Committee Bill

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2012-03-12 - Public Hearing 03/16 [SB00370 Detail]

Download: Connecticut-2012-SB00370-Introduced.html


General Assembly		*Raised Bill No. 370*
*February Session, 2012*		LCO No. 1871
		01871_______PH_
Referred to Committee on Public Health
Introduced by:
(PH)

AN ACT CONCERNING SERVICES PROVIDED BY GENETIC COUNSELORS.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:

Section 1. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2012) (a) As used in this section:

(1) "Direct supervision" means a supervising genetic counselor is present in the office and immediately available to furnish assistance and direction when services are being provided by an assistant genetic counselor;

(2) "Assistant genetic counselor" means a person who maintains (A) current certification with the American Board of Genetic Counseling, and (B) professional liability insurance or other indemnity against liability for professional malpractice in an amount not less than five hundred thousand dollars for one person, per occurrence, with an aggregate of not less than one million five hundred thousand dollars;

(3) "Supervising genetic counselor" means a physician who is licensed pursuant to chapter 370 of the general statutes, certified as a genetic counselor by the American Board of Genetic Counseling and who assumes responsibility for the supervision of services rendered by an assistant genetic counselor; and

(4) "Supervision" means the exercise of oversight, control and direction of the services of an assistant genetic counselor by a supervising genetic counselor. Supervision includes, but is not limited to: (A) Continuous availability of direct communication between the supervising genetic counselor and the assistant genetic counselor; (B) active and continuing overview of the assistant genetic counselor's activities to ensure that the supervising genetic counselor's directions are being implemented and to support the assistant genetic counselor in the performance of his or her services; (C) review of the charts and records of the assistant genetic counselor on a regular basis, as necessary, to ensure quality patient care; and (D) delineation of a predetermined plan for emergency situations.

(b) Nothing in chapter 370 of the general statutes shall be construed to prohibit an assistant genetic counselor from providing genetic counseling services under the direct supervision and direction of a supervising genetic counselor. An assistant genetic counselor may provide genetic counseling services delegated by a supervising genetic counselor provided: (1) The supervising genetic counselor is satisfied as to the ability and competency of the assistant genetic counselor; (2) such delegation is consistent with the health and welfare of the patient and in keeping with sound medical practice; (3) the supervising genetic counselor shall assume full control and responsibility for all services provided by the assistant genetic counselor; and (4) such services shall be provided under the direct supervision of the supervising genetic counselor. Delegated services shall be provided in accordance with written protocols established by the supervising genetic counselor.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to the activities and services of a person who is enrolled in a genetic counseling education program recognized by the American Board of Genetic Counseling provided such activities and services are incidental to the course of study.

(d) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year, or both, for each offense.


This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections:
Section 1	October 1, 2012	New section

Statement of Purpose:

To allow certified genetic counselors to provide genetic counseling services under certain circumstances.

[Proposed deletions are enclosed in brackets. Proposed additions are indicated by underline, except that when the entire text of a bill or resolution or a section of a bill or resolution is new, it is not underlined.]