BILL NUMBER: AB 2300	AMENDED
	BILL TEXT

	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  MAY 3, 2010
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  APRIL 5, 2010

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Emmerson

                        FEBRUARY 18, 2010

   An act to add Section 124982 to the Health and Safety Code,
relating to genetic counselors.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 2300, as amended, Emmerson. Genetic counselors.
   Existing law, the Hereditary Disorders Act, requires the State
Department of Public Health to establish hereditary disorder
programs, 100 specified, and to license master level genetic
counselors and doctoral level geneticists. One of the requirements
for licensure is that an individual demonstrate competence by a
examination administered or approved by the department. Existing law
prohibits an unlicensed person from using the title of genetic
counselor.
   This bill would require, on and after July 1, 2011, the department
to issue a temporary genetic counselor license, valid for one year,
to a person who meets all of the requirements for licensure except
passing the above-described examination. The bill would require a
person working under a temporary genetic counselor license to work
under the general supervision of a licensed genetic counselor or a
licensed physician and surgeon.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Section 124982 is added to the Health and Safety Code,
to read:
   124982.  (a) On and after July 1, 2011, the department shall issue
a temporary genetic counselor license valid for one year to a person
to practice  genetic counseling   as a licensed
genetic counselor  who meets all the requirements for licensure
set forth in Section 124981, except passing the certification
examination as required by Section 124981.
   (b) A person holding a temporary genetic counselor license who
fails the first available certification examination held by the ABGC
may reapply, no later than 30 days after the date of the examination,
on a one-time basis, for an additional temporary genetic counselor
license.
   (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, or on the date
that the applicant applies and is granted an additional temporary
license pursuant to subdivision (b).
   (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 general
supervision of a licensed genetic counselor or a licensed physician
and surgeon.