Definitions.

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As used in the Genetic Counseling Licensure Act:

1. “ABGC” means the American Board of Genetic Counseling;

2. “ABMG” means the American Board of Medical Genetics;

3. “General supervision” means the process of a supervisor, whether licensed as a genetic counselor or a physician, having overall responsibility to assess the work of a supervisee, including regular meetings and chart reviews. An annual supervision contract signed by the supervisor and supervisee shall be on file with both parties; and

4. “Genetic counseling” means a communication process, conducted by one or more appropriately trained individuals, that includes:

  • a.estimating the likelihood of occurrence or recurrence of a birth defect or of any potentially inherited or genetically influenced condition. Such assessment may involve:
    • (1)obtaining and analyzing a complete health history of an individual and the individual’s family,
    • (2)review of pertinent medical records,
    • (3)evaluation of the risks from exposure to possible mutagens or teratogens, or
    • (4)discussion of genetic testing or other valuations to diagnose a condition or determine the carrier status of one or more family members,
  • b.helping an individual, the individual’s family, a health care provider, or the public to:
    • (1)appreciate the medical, psychological and social implications of a disorder including its features, variability, usual course, and management options,
    • (2)learn how genetic factors contribute to the disorder and affect the chance for recurrence of the condition in other family members,
    • (3)understand available options for coping with, preventing or reducing the chance of occurrence or recurrence of a condition,
    • (4)select the most appropriate, accurate and cost-effective methods of diagnosis, or
    • (5)understand genetic or prenatal tests, coordinate testing for inherited disorders, and interpret genetic test results, and
  • c.facilitating an individual’s or family’s:
    • (1)exploration of the perception of risk and burden associated with a disorder,
    • (2)decision-making regarding testing or medical interventions consistent with the individual’s or family’s beliefs, goals, needs, resources, culture and ethical or moral views, or
    • (3)adjustment and adaptation to the condition or the individual’s or family’s genetic risk by addressing needs for psychological, social and medical support.

Added by Laws 2006, c. 174, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2006.


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