(a) The department shall issue a temporary genetic counselor license to a person to practice as a licensed genetic counselor who meets all of the following:
(1) The requirements for licensure set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 124981, except passing the certification examination as required by paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 124981.
(2) Either of the following requirements:
(A) The person meets the requirements to apply for and has applied for the first available certification examination offered. The department may require an applicant for a temporary genetic counselor license to provide documentation of acceptance for the examination.
(B) The person meets the requirements to apply for the certification examination and plans to apply to sit for the examination in the year following the year of the first available examination. The department shall require the applicant to provide documentation showing registration for the examination, when the documentation is received by the applicant. After the applicant takes the examination, the department shall require the applicant to provide documentation showing that the applicant took the examination.
(3) Payment of a fee of two hundred dollars ($200).
(b) A temporary genetic counselor license shall be valid for 24 months and shall not be extended or renewed.
(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a temporary license issued pursuant to this section shall expire upon any of the following events, whichever occurs earlier:
(1) The issuance of a license pursuant to Section 124981.
(2) Thirty days after notification of the department that an applicant has failed the certification examination.
(3) The expiration date on the temporary license.
(d) A person holding a temporary genetic counselor license issued pursuant to this section, shall be required to work under the supervision of a licensed genetic counselor or a licensed physician and surgeon.
(e) The department may revoke the temporary license of a genetic counselor licensed pursuant to this section if the person has been convicted of a felony charge that is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a genetic counselor. A plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony charge shall be deemed a conviction for the purposes of this subdivision.
(f) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2011.
(Amended (as added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 550) by Stats. 2011, Ch. 296, Sec. 180. (AB 1023) Effective January 1, 2012.)