BILL NO A03350
SAME AS SAME AS UNI. S02904
SPONSOR Sweeney (MS)
COSPNSR Millman, Paulin, Galef, Rosenthal
MLTSPNSR Dinowitz, Hooper, Markey, Weisenberg
Add Art 142 SS7050 - 7056, Ed L
Provides for the licensing of genetic counselors; creates the state committee
for genetic counseling.
BILL NUMBER:A3350
TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the education law, in relation to
licensing of genetic counselors
PURPOSE: This legislation would establish genetic counseling as a
licensed profession.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS: This legislation would establish genetic coun-
seling as a licensed profession in New York State. The bill would
provide for licensure, provisional licensure, professional standards,
continuing education requirements, conduct and registration of genetic
counselors.
JUSTIFICATION: In the last decade, advances in technology and scientif-
ic comprehension of human genetics has rapidly expanded as have the
number of tests available to directly test for the risk of occurrence of
genetic conditions and birth defects. The interpretation of genetic
tests is complex and requires specialized knowledge and communication
skills to enable individuals to make informed decisions prior to taking
a genetic test and again to help understand any test results. Genetic
counselors who have met the educational requirements and standards as
established by this legislation are ensured of possessing the requisite
skills.
The State of New York has a long tradition of protecting the safety and
health of individual recipients of professional services by setting high
standards for the licensing and conduct of providers of such services.
This legislation would ensure the benefits of genetic testing for those
who seek them, by ensuring that genetic counselors are licensed and
accountable.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: 2011-12 S.3514/A.5641; 2009-10 S.2757/A.5766;
2007-08, S.1858-A/A.3556A; 2005-06, S4532/A.8065; 2003-04
S.287A/A.10539; 2001-02 S.2471/A.2360; 2000 S.7563/A.9876.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: Any fiscal implications related to licensure of
the genetic counselors, would be offset through license fees.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately, with provisions.
