Bill Text: MN SF2525 | 2013-2014 | 88th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: Genetic counselor licensing requirement
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-03-10 - Referred to Health, Human Services and Housing [SF2525 Detail]
Download: Minnesota-2013-SF2525-Introduced.html
1.2relating to health professions; licensing genetic counselors; proposing coding for
1.3new law as Minnesota Statutes, chapter 147F.
1.4BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.5 Section 1. [147F.01] DEFINITIONS.
1.6 Subdivision 1. Applicability. For purposes of sections 147F.01 to 147F.17, the
1.7terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.
1.8 Subd. 2. ABGC. "ABGC" means the American Board of Genetic Counseling, a
1.9national agency for certification and recertification of genetic counselors, or its successor
1.10organization or equivalent.
1.11 Subd. 3. ABMG. "ABMG" means the American Board of Medical Genetics,
1.12a national agency for certification and recertification of genetic counselors, medical
1.13geneticists, and Ph.D. geneticists, or its successor organization.
1.14 Subd. 4. ACGC. "ACGC" means the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling,
1.15a specialized program accreditation board for educational training programs granting
1.16master's degrees or higher in genetic counseling, or its successor organization.
1.17 Subd. 5. Board. "Board" means the Board of Medical Practice.
1.18 Subd. 6. Eligible status. "Eligible status" means an applicant who has met the
1.19requirements and received approval from the ABGC to sit for the certification examination.
1.20 Subd. 7. Genetic counseling. "Genetic counseling" means the provision of services
1.21described in section 147F.03 to help clients and their families understand the medical,
1.22psychological, and familial implications of genetic contributions to a disease or medical
1.23condition.
2.1 Subd. 8. Genetic counselor. "Genetic counselor" means an individual licensed
2.2under sections 147F.01 to 147F.17 to engage in the practice of genetic counseling.
2.3 Subd. 9. Licensed physician. "Licensed physician" means an individual who is
2.4licensed to practice medicine under chapter 147.
2.5 Subd. 10. NSGC. "NSGC" means the National Society of Genetic Counselors, a
2.6professional membership association for genetic counselors that approves continuing
2.7education programs.
2.8 Subd. 11. Qualified supervisor. "Qualified supervisor" means any person who is
2.9licensed under sections 147F.01 to 147F.17 as a genetic counselor or a physician licensed
2.10under chapter 147 to practice medicine in Minnesota.
2.11 Subd. 12. Supervisee. "Supervisee" means a genetic counselor with a provisional
2.12license.
2.13 Subd. 13. Supervision. "Supervision" means an assessment of the work of the
2.14supervisee, including regular meetings and file review, by a qualified supervisor according
2.15to the supervision contract. Supervision does not require the qualified supervisor to be
2.16present while the supervisee provides services.
2.17 Sec. 2. [147F.03] SCOPE OF PRACTICE.
2.18The practice of genetic counseling by a licensed genetic counselor includes the
2.19following services:
2.20(1) obtaining and interpreting individual and family medical and developmental
2.21histories;
2.22(2) determining the mode of inheritance and the risk of transmitting genetic
2.23conditions and birth defects;
2.24(3) discussing the inheritance, features, natural history, means of diagnosis, and
2.25management of conditions with clients;
2.26(4) identifying, coordinating, and explaining the clinical implications of genetic
2.27laboratory tests and other laboratory studies;
2.28(5) assessing psychosocial factors, including social, educational, and cultural issues;
2.29(6) providing client-centered counseling and anticipatory guidance to the client or
2.30family based on their responses to the condition, risk of occurrence, or risk of recurrence;
2.31(7) facilitating informed decision-making about testing and management;
2.32(8) identifying and using community resources that provide medical, educational,
2.33financial, and psychosocial support and advocacy; and
2.34(9) providing accurate written medical, genetic, and counseling information for
2.35families and health care professionals.
3.1 Sec. 3. [147F.05] UNLICENSED PRACTICE PROHIBITED; PROTECTED
3.2TITLES AND RESTRICTIONS ON USE.
3.3 Subdivision 1. Protected titles. No individual may use the title "genetic counselor,"
3.4"licensed genetic counselor," "gene counselor," "genetic consultant," "genetic associate,"
3.5or any words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying that the individual
3.6is eligible for licensure by the state as a genetic counselor unless the individual has been
3.7licensed as a genetic counselor according to sections 147F.01 to 147F.17.
3.8 Subd. 2. Unlicensed practice prohibited. No individual may practice genetic
3.9counseling unless the individual is licensed as a genetic counselor sections 147F.01 to
3.10147F.17 except as otherwise provided under sections 147F.01 to 147F.17.
3.11 Subd. 3. Other practitioners. (a) Nothing in sections 147F.01 to 147F.17 shall be
3.12construed to prohibit or restrict the practice of any profession or occupation licensed
3.13or registered by the state by an individual duly licensed or registered to practice the
3.14profession or occupation or to perform any act that falls within the scope of practice
3.15of the profession or occupation.
3.16(b) Nothing in sections 147F.01 to 147F.17 shall be construed to require a license
3.17under sections 147F.01 to 147F.17 for:
3.18(1) an individual employed as a genetic counselor by the federal government or a
3.19federal agency if the individual is providing services under the direction and control of
3.20the employer;
3.21(2) a student or intern enrolled in an ACGC-accredited genetic counseling
3.22educational program providing genetic counseling services that are an integral part of the
3.23student's course of study, are performed under the direct supervision of a licensed genetic
3.24counselor or physician who is on duty in the assigned patient care area, and the student is
3.25identified by the title "genetic counseling intern"; or
3.26(3) a visiting ABGC- or ABMG-certified genetic counselor working as a consultant
3.27in this state who permanently resides outside of the state, or the occasional use of services
3.28from organizations from outside of the state that employ ABGC- or ABMG-certified
3.29genetic counselors. This is limited to practicing for 30 days total within one calendar year.
3.30Certified genetic counselors from outside of the state working as a consultant in this state
3.31must be licensed in their state of residence if that credential is available.
3.32 Subd. 4. Sanctions. An individual who violates this section is guilty of a
3.33misdemeanor and shall be subject to sanctions or actions according to section 214.11.
3.34 Sec. 4. [147F.07] LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS.
4.1 Subdivision 1. General requirements for licensure. To be eligible for licensure, an
4.2applicant, with the exception of those seeking licensure by reciprocity under subdivision
4.32, must submit to the board:
4.4(1) a completed application on forms provided by the board along with all fees
4.5required under section 147F.17. The applicant must include:
4.6(i) the applicant's name, Social Security number, home address and telephone
4.7number, and business address and telephone number;
4.8(ii) the name and location of the genetic counseling or medical program the applicant
4.9completed;
4.10(iii) a list of degrees received from other educational institutions;
4.11(iv) a description of the applicant's professional training;
4.12(v) a list of registrations, certifications, and licenses held in other jurisdictions;
4.13(vi) a description of any other jurisdiction's refusal to credential the applicant;
4.14(vii) a description of all professional disciplinary actions initiated against the
4.15applicant in any jurisdiction; and
4.16(viii) any history of drug or alcohol abuse, and any misdemeanor or felony conviction;
4.17(2) evidence of graduation from an education program accredited by the ACGC or
4.18its predecessor or successor organization;
4.19(3) a verified copy of a valid and current certification issued by the ABGC or ABMG
4.20as a certified genetic counselor, or by the ABMG as a certified medical geneticist;
4.21(4) additional information as requested by the board, including any additional
4.22information necessary to ensure that the applicant is able to practice with reasonable skill
4.23and safety to the public;
4.24(5) a signed statement verifying that the information in the application is true and
4.25correct to the best of the applicant's knowledge and belief; and
4.26(6) a signed waiver authorizing the board to obtain access to the applicant's records
4.27in this or any other state in which the applicant completed an educational program or
4.28engaged in the practice of genetic counseling.
4.29 Subd. 2. Licensure by reciprocity. To be eligible for licensure by reciprocity,
4.30the applicant must hold a current genetic counselor or medical geneticist registration
4.31or license in another state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States,
4.32whose standards for registration or licensure are at least equivalent to those of Minnesota,
4.33and must:
4.34(1) submit the application materials and fees as required by subdivision 1, clauses
4.35(1), (2), and (4) to (6);
5.1(2) provide a verified copy from the appropriate government body of a current
5.2registration or license for the practice of genetic counseling in another jurisdiction that has
5.3initial registration or licensing requirements equivalent to or higher than the requirements
5.4in subdivision 1; and
5.5(3) provide letters of verification from the appropriate government body in each
5.6jurisdiction in which the applicant holds a registration or license. Each letter must state
5.7the applicant's name, date of birth, registration or license number, date of issuance, a
5.8statement regarding disciplinary actions, if any, taken against the applicant, and the terms
5.9under which the registration or license was issued.
5.10 Subd. 3. Provisional license. (a) The board may issue a provisional license if an
5.11applicant meets all of the requirements for licensure listed in subdivision 1, except for the
5.12certification requirement in subdivision 1, clause (3), and the applicant has been granted
5.13or is eligible for eligible status.
5.14(b) The provisional license shall be valid for two years. The provisional license
5.15automatically expires:
5.16(i) when the applicant is issued a license;
5.17(ii) upon the date printed on the provisional license; or
5.18(iii) upon notice of the second failure of the certification examination.
5.19(c) A genetic counselor working under a provisional license must be under the
5.20general supervision of a qualified supervisor. A qualified supervisor and the supervisee
5.21must annually enter into a supervision contract that specifies the manner of supervision as
5.22required by the board. The supervision contract must be signed and maintained by both
5.23parties and made available to the board upon request.
5.24 Subd. 4. Licensure by equivalency. (a) The board may grant a license to an
5.25individual who does not meet the certification requirements in subdivision 1 but who
5.26has been employed as a genetic counselor for a minimum of ten years and provides the
5.27following documentation to the board no later than February 1, 2015:
5.28(1) proof of a master's or higher degree in genetics or related field of study from an
5.29accredited educational institution;
5.30(2) proof that the individual has never failed the ABGC or ABMG certification
5.31examination;
5.32(3) three letters of recommendation, with at least one from an individual eligible for
5.33licensure under sections 147F.01 to 147F.17, and at least one from an individual certified
5.34as a genetic counselor by the ABGC or ABMG or an individual certified as a medical
5.35geneticist by the ABMG. An individual who submits a letter of recommendation must
6.1have worked with the applicant in an employment setting during the past ten years and
6.2must attest to the applicant's competency; and
6.3(4) documentation of the completion of 100 hours of NSGC-approved continuing
6.4education credits within the past five years.
6.5(b) This subdivision expires February 1, 2015.
6.6 Subd. 5. License expiration. A genetic counselor license shall be valid for one
6.7year from the date of issuance.
6.8 Subd. 6. License renewal. To be eligible for license renewal, a licensed genetic
6.9counselor must submit to the board:
6.10(1) a renewal application on a form provided by the board;
6.11(2) the renewal fee required under section 147F.17;
6.12(3) evidence of compliance with the continuing education requirements in section
6.13147F.11; and
6.14(4) any additional information requested by the board.
6.15 Sec. 5. [147F.09] BOARD ACTION ON APPLICATIONS FOR LICENSURE.
6.16(a) The board shall act on each application for licensure according to paragraphs
6.17(b) to (d).
6.18(b) The board shall determine if the applicant meets the requirements for licensure
6.19under section 147F.07. The board may investigate information provided by an applicant to
6.20determine whether the information is accurate and complete.
6.21(c) The board shall notify each applicant in writing of action taken on the application,
6.22the grounds for denying licensure if a license is denied, and the applicant's right to review
6.23the board's decision under paragraph (d).
6.24(d) Applicants denied licensure may make a written request to the board, within 30
6.25days of the board's notice, to appear before the advisory council and for the advisory
6.26council to review the board's decision to deny the applicant's license. After reviewing the
6.27denial, the advisory council shall make a recommendation to the board as to whether
6.28the denial shall be affirmed. Each applicant is allowed only one request for review per
6.29licensure period.
6.30 Sec. 6. [147F.11] CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS.
6.31(a) A licensed genetic counselor must complete a minimum of ten hours of NSGC-
6.32or ABMG-approved continuing education units during each one-year license period. If a
6.33licensee's renewal term is prorated to be more or less than one year, the required number
6.34of continuing education units is prorated proportionately.
7.1(b) The board may grant a variance to the continuing education requirements
7.2specified in this section if a licensee demonstrates to the satisfaction of the board that the
7.3licensee is unable to complete the required number of educational units during the renewal
7.4term. The board may allow the licensee to complete the required number of continuing
7.5education units within a time frame specified by the board. In no case shall the board
7.6allow the licensee to complete less than the required number of continuing education units.
7.7 Sec. 7. [147F.13] DISCIPLINE; REPORTING.
7.8For purposes of sections 147F.01 to 147F.17, licensed genetic counselors and
7.9applicants are subject to sections 147.091 to 147.162.
7.10 Sec. 8. [147F.15] LICENSED GENETIC COUNSELOR ADVISORY COUNCIL.
7.11 Subdivision 1. Membership. The board shall appoint a five-member Licensed
7.12Genetic Counselor Advisory Council. One member must be a licensed physician with
7.13experience in genetics, three members must be licensed genetic counselors, and one
7.14member must be a public member.
7.15 Subd. 2. Organization. The advisory council shall be organized and administered
7.16as provided in section 15.059.
7.17 Subd. 3. Duties. The advisory council shall:
7.18(1) advise the board regarding standards for licensed genetic counselors;
7.19(2) provide for distribution of information regarding licensed genetic counselor
7.20practice standards;
7.21(3) advise the board on enforcement of sections 147F.01 to 147F.17;
7.22(4) review applications and recommend granting or denying licensure or license
7.23renewal;
7.24(5) advise the board on issues related to receiving and investigating complaints,
7.25conducting hearings, and imposing disciplinary action in relation to complaints against
7.26licensed genetic counselors; and
7.27(6) perform other duties authorized for advisory councils by chapter 214, as directed
7.28by the board.
7.29 Subd. 4. Expiration. Notwithstanding section 15.059, the advisory council does
7.30not expire.
7.31 Sec. 9. [147F.17] FEES.
7.32 Subdivision 1. Fees. Fees are as follows:
7.33(1) license application fee, $200;
8.1(2) initial licensure and annual renewal, $150;
8.2(3) provisional license fee, $150; and
8.3(4) late fee, $75.
8.4 Subd. 2. Proration of fees. The board may prorate the initial license fee. All
8.5licensees are required to pay the full fee upon license renewal.
8.6 Subd. 3. Penalty for late renewals. An application for registration renewal
8.7submitted after the deadline must be accompanied by a late fee in addition to the required
8.8fees.
8.9 Subd. 4. Nonrefundable fees. All fees are nonrefundable.
8.10 Subd. 5. Deposit. Fees collected by the board under this section shall be deposited
8.11in the state government special revenue fund.
1.3new law as Minnesota Statutes, chapter 147F.
1.4BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.5 Section 1. [147F.01] DEFINITIONS.
1.6 Subdivision 1. Applicability. For purposes of sections 147F.01 to 147F.17, the
1.7terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.
1.8 Subd. 2. ABGC. "ABGC" means the American Board of Genetic Counseling, a
1.9national agency for certification and recertification of genetic counselors, or its successor
1.10organization or equivalent.
1.11 Subd. 3. ABMG. "ABMG" means the American Board of Medical Genetics,
1.12a national agency for certification and recertification of genetic counselors, medical
1.13geneticists, and Ph.D. geneticists, or its successor organization.
1.14 Subd. 4. ACGC. "ACGC" means the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling,
1.15a specialized program accreditation board for educational training programs granting
1.16master's degrees or higher in genetic counseling, or its successor organization.
1.17 Subd. 5. Board. "Board" means the Board of Medical Practice.
1.18 Subd. 6. Eligible status. "Eligible status" means an applicant who has met the
1.19requirements and received approval from the ABGC to sit for the certification examination.
1.20 Subd. 7. Genetic counseling. "Genetic counseling" means the provision of services
1.21described in section 147F.03 to help clients and their families understand the medical,
1.22psychological, and familial implications of genetic contributions to a disease or medical
1.23condition.
2.1 Subd. 8. Genetic counselor. "Genetic counselor" means an individual licensed
2.2under sections 147F.01 to 147F.17 to engage in the practice of genetic counseling.
2.3 Subd. 9. Licensed physician. "Licensed physician" means an individual who is
2.4licensed to practice medicine under chapter 147.
2.5 Subd. 10. NSGC. "NSGC" means the National Society of Genetic Counselors, a
2.6professional membership association for genetic counselors that approves continuing
2.7education programs.
2.8 Subd. 11. Qualified supervisor. "Qualified supervisor" means any person who is
2.9licensed under sections 147F.01 to 147F.17 as a genetic counselor or a physician licensed
2.10under chapter 147 to practice medicine in Minnesota.
2.11 Subd. 12. Supervisee. "Supervisee" means a genetic counselor with a provisional
2.12license.
2.13 Subd. 13. Supervision. "Supervision" means an assessment of the work of the
2.14supervisee, including regular meetings and file review, by a qualified supervisor according
2.15to the supervision contract. Supervision does not require the qualified supervisor to be
2.16present while the supervisee provides services.
2.17 Sec. 2. [147F.03] SCOPE OF PRACTICE.
2.18The practice of genetic counseling by a licensed genetic counselor includes the
2.19following services:
2.20(1) obtaining and interpreting individual and family medical and developmental
2.21histories;
2.22(2) determining the mode of inheritance and the risk of transmitting genetic
2.23conditions and birth defects;
2.24(3) discussing the inheritance, features, natural history, means of diagnosis, and
2.25management of conditions with clients;
2.26(4) identifying, coordinating, and explaining the clinical implications of genetic
2.27laboratory tests and other laboratory studies;
2.28(5) assessing psychosocial factors, including social, educational, and cultural issues;
2.29(6) providing client-centered counseling and anticipatory guidance to the client or
2.30family based on their responses to the condition, risk of occurrence, or risk of recurrence;
2.31(7) facilitating informed decision-making about testing and management;
2.32(8) identifying and using community resources that provide medical, educational,
2.33financial, and psychosocial support and advocacy; and
2.34(9) providing accurate written medical, genetic, and counseling information for
2.35families and health care professionals.
3.1 Sec. 3. [147F.05] UNLICENSED PRACTICE PROHIBITED; PROTECTED
3.2TITLES AND RESTRICTIONS ON USE.
3.3 Subdivision 1. Protected titles. No individual may use the title "genetic counselor,"
3.4"licensed genetic counselor," "gene counselor," "genetic consultant," "genetic associate,"
3.5or any words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying that the individual
3.6is eligible for licensure by the state as a genetic counselor unless the individual has been
3.7licensed as a genetic counselor according to sections 147F.01 to 147F.17.
3.8 Subd. 2. Unlicensed practice prohibited. No individual may practice genetic
3.9counseling unless the individual is licensed as a genetic counselor sections 147F.01 to
3.10147F.17 except as otherwise provided under sections 147F.01 to 147F.17.
3.11 Subd. 3. Other practitioners. (a) Nothing in sections 147F.01 to 147F.17 shall be
3.12construed to prohibit or restrict the practice of any profession or occupation licensed
3.13or registered by the state by an individual duly licensed or registered to practice the
3.14profession or occupation or to perform any act that falls within the scope of practice
3.15of the profession or occupation.
3.16(b) Nothing in sections 147F.01 to 147F.17 shall be construed to require a license
3.17under sections 147F.01 to 147F.17 for:
3.18(1) an individual employed as a genetic counselor by the federal government or a
3.19federal agency if the individual is providing services under the direction and control of
3.20the employer;
3.21(2) a student or intern enrolled in an ACGC-accredited genetic counseling
3.22educational program providing genetic counseling services that are an integral part of the
3.23student's course of study, are performed under the direct supervision of a licensed genetic
3.24counselor or physician who is on duty in the assigned patient care area, and the student is
3.25identified by the title "genetic counseling intern"; or
3.26(3) a visiting ABGC- or ABMG-certified genetic counselor working as a consultant
3.27in this state who permanently resides outside of the state, or the occasional use of services
3.28from organizations from outside of the state that employ ABGC- or ABMG-certified
3.29genetic counselors. This is limited to practicing for 30 days total within one calendar year.
3.30Certified genetic counselors from outside of the state working as a consultant in this state
3.31must be licensed in their state of residence if that credential is available.
3.32 Subd. 4. Sanctions. An individual who violates this section is guilty of a
3.33misdemeanor and shall be subject to sanctions or actions according to section 214.11.
3.34 Sec. 4. [147F.07] LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS.
4.1 Subdivision 1. General requirements for licensure. To be eligible for licensure, an
4.2applicant, with the exception of those seeking licensure by reciprocity under subdivision
4.32, must submit to the board:
4.4(1) a completed application on forms provided by the board along with all fees
4.5required under section 147F.17. The applicant must include:
4.6(i) the applicant's name, Social Security number, home address and telephone
4.7number, and business address and telephone number;
4.8(ii) the name and location of the genetic counseling or medical program the applicant
4.9completed;
4.10(iii) a list of degrees received from other educational institutions;
4.11(iv) a description of the applicant's professional training;
4.12(v) a list of registrations, certifications, and licenses held in other jurisdictions;
4.13(vi) a description of any other jurisdiction's refusal to credential the applicant;
4.14(vii) a description of all professional disciplinary actions initiated against the
4.15applicant in any jurisdiction; and
4.16(viii) any history of drug or alcohol abuse, and any misdemeanor or felony conviction;
4.17(2) evidence of graduation from an education program accredited by the ACGC or
4.18its predecessor or successor organization;
4.19(3) a verified copy of a valid and current certification issued by the ABGC or ABMG
4.20as a certified genetic counselor, or by the ABMG as a certified medical geneticist;
4.21(4) additional information as requested by the board, including any additional
4.22information necessary to ensure that the applicant is able to practice with reasonable skill
4.23and safety to the public;
4.24(5) a signed statement verifying that the information in the application is true and
4.25correct to the best of the applicant's knowledge and belief; and
4.26(6) a signed waiver authorizing the board to obtain access to the applicant's records
4.27in this or any other state in which the applicant completed an educational program or
4.28engaged in the practice of genetic counseling.
4.29 Subd. 2. Licensure by reciprocity. To be eligible for licensure by reciprocity,
4.30the applicant must hold a current genetic counselor or medical geneticist registration
4.31or license in another state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States,
4.32whose standards for registration or licensure are at least equivalent to those of Minnesota,
4.33and must:
4.34(1) submit the application materials and fees as required by subdivision 1, clauses
4.35(1), (2), and (4) to (6);
5.1(2) provide a verified copy from the appropriate government body of a current
5.2registration or license for the practice of genetic counseling in another jurisdiction that has
5.3initial registration or licensing requirements equivalent to or higher than the requirements
5.4in subdivision 1; and
5.5(3) provide letters of verification from the appropriate government body in each
5.6jurisdiction in which the applicant holds a registration or license. Each letter must state
5.7the applicant's name, date of birth, registration or license number, date of issuance, a
5.8statement regarding disciplinary actions, if any, taken against the applicant, and the terms
5.9under which the registration or license was issued.
5.10 Subd. 3. Provisional license. (a) The board may issue a provisional license if an
5.11applicant meets all of the requirements for licensure listed in subdivision 1, except for the
5.12certification requirement in subdivision 1, clause (3), and the applicant has been granted
5.13or is eligible for eligible status.
5.14(b) The provisional license shall be valid for two years. The provisional license
5.15automatically expires:
5.16(i) when the applicant is issued a license;
5.17(ii) upon the date printed on the provisional license; or
5.18(iii) upon notice of the second failure of the certification examination.
5.19(c) A genetic counselor working under a provisional license must be under the
5.20general supervision of a qualified supervisor. A qualified supervisor and the supervisee
5.21must annually enter into a supervision contract that specifies the manner of supervision as
5.22required by the board. The supervision contract must be signed and maintained by both
5.23parties and made available to the board upon request.
5.24 Subd. 4. Licensure by equivalency. (a) The board may grant a license to an
5.25individual who does not meet the certification requirements in subdivision 1 but who
5.26has been employed as a genetic counselor for a minimum of ten years and provides the
5.27following documentation to the board no later than February 1, 2015:
5.28(1) proof of a master's or higher degree in genetics or related field of study from an
5.29accredited educational institution;
5.30(2) proof that the individual has never failed the ABGC or ABMG certification
5.31examination;
5.32(3) three letters of recommendation, with at least one from an individual eligible for
5.33licensure under sections 147F.01 to 147F.17, and at least one from an individual certified
5.34as a genetic counselor by the ABGC or ABMG or an individual certified as a medical
5.35geneticist by the ABMG. An individual who submits a letter of recommendation must
6.1have worked with the applicant in an employment setting during the past ten years and
6.2must attest to the applicant's competency; and
6.3(4) documentation of the completion of 100 hours of NSGC-approved continuing
6.4education credits within the past five years.
6.5(b) This subdivision expires February 1, 2015.
6.6 Subd. 5. License expiration. A genetic counselor license shall be valid for one
6.7year from the date of issuance.
6.8 Subd. 6. License renewal. To be eligible for license renewal, a licensed genetic
6.9counselor must submit to the board:
6.10(1) a renewal application on a form provided by the board;
6.11(2) the renewal fee required under section 147F.17;
6.12(3) evidence of compliance with the continuing education requirements in section
6.13147F.11; and
6.14(4) any additional information requested by the board.
6.15 Sec. 5. [147F.09] BOARD ACTION ON APPLICATIONS FOR LICENSURE.
6.16(a) The board shall act on each application for licensure according to paragraphs
6.17(b) to (d).
6.18(b) The board shall determine if the applicant meets the requirements for licensure
6.19under section 147F.07. The board may investigate information provided by an applicant to
6.20determine whether the information is accurate and complete.
6.21(c) The board shall notify each applicant in writing of action taken on the application,
6.22the grounds for denying licensure if a license is denied, and the applicant's right to review
6.23the board's decision under paragraph (d).
6.24(d) Applicants denied licensure may make a written request to the board, within 30
6.25days of the board's notice, to appear before the advisory council and for the advisory
6.26council to review the board's decision to deny the applicant's license. After reviewing the
6.27denial, the advisory council shall make a recommendation to the board as to whether
6.28the denial shall be affirmed. Each applicant is allowed only one request for review per
6.29licensure period.
6.30 Sec. 6. [147F.11] CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS.
6.31(a) A licensed genetic counselor must complete a minimum of ten hours of NSGC-
6.32or ABMG-approved continuing education units during each one-year license period. If a
6.33licensee's renewal term is prorated to be more or less than one year, the required number
6.34of continuing education units is prorated proportionately.
7.1(b) The board may grant a variance to the continuing education requirements
7.2specified in this section if a licensee demonstrates to the satisfaction of the board that the
7.3licensee is unable to complete the required number of educational units during the renewal
7.4term. The board may allow the licensee to complete the required number of continuing
7.5education units within a time frame specified by the board. In no case shall the board
7.6allow the licensee to complete less than the required number of continuing education units.
7.7 Sec. 7. [147F.13] DISCIPLINE; REPORTING.
7.8For purposes of sections 147F.01 to 147F.17, licensed genetic counselors and
7.9applicants are subject to sections 147.091 to 147.162.
7.10 Sec. 8. [147F.15] LICENSED GENETIC COUNSELOR ADVISORY COUNCIL.
7.11 Subdivision 1. Membership. The board shall appoint a five-member Licensed
7.12Genetic Counselor Advisory Council. One member must be a licensed physician with
7.13experience in genetics, three members must be licensed genetic counselors, and one
7.14member must be a public member.
7.15 Subd. 2. Organization. The advisory council shall be organized and administered
7.16as provided in section 15.059.
7.17 Subd. 3. Duties. The advisory council shall:
7.18(1) advise the board regarding standards for licensed genetic counselors;
7.19(2) provide for distribution of information regarding licensed genetic counselor
7.20practice standards;
7.21(3) advise the board on enforcement of sections 147F.01 to 147F.17;
7.22(4) review applications and recommend granting or denying licensure or license
7.23renewal;
7.24(5) advise the board on issues related to receiving and investigating complaints,
7.25conducting hearings, and imposing disciplinary action in relation to complaints against
7.26licensed genetic counselors; and
7.27(6) perform other duties authorized for advisory councils by chapter 214, as directed
7.28by the board.
7.29 Subd. 4. Expiration. Notwithstanding section 15.059, the advisory council does
7.30not expire.
7.31 Sec. 9. [147F.17] FEES.
7.32 Subdivision 1. Fees. Fees are as follows:
7.33(1) license application fee, $200;
8.1(2) initial licensure and annual renewal, $150;
8.2(3) provisional license fee, $150; and
8.3(4) late fee, $75.
8.4 Subd. 2. Proration of fees. The board may prorate the initial license fee. All
8.5licensees are required to pay the full fee upon license renewal.
8.6 Subd. 3. Penalty for late renewals. An application for registration renewal
8.7submitted after the deadline must be accompanied by a late fee in addition to the required
8.8fees.
8.9 Subd. 4. Nonrefundable fees. All fees are nonrefundable.
8.10 Subd. 5. Deposit. Fees collected by the board under this section shall be deposited
8.11in the state government special revenue fund.
