BILL ANALYSIS
AB 2300
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Date of Hearing: April 13, 2010
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS, PROFESSIONS AND CONSUMER
PROTECTION
Mary Hayashi, Chair
AB 2300 (Emmerson) - As Amended: April 5, 2010
SUBJECT : Genetic counselors.
SUMMARY : Establishes a temporary license for genetic
counselors (TLGC). Specifically, this bill :
1)Requires the Department of Public Health (department) to issue
a TLGC, valid for one year, starting July 1, 2011.
2)Authorizes an individual who has passed all the requirements
for licensure, as specified, except passing the certification
examination, to apply for a TLGC.
3)Permits a person holding a TLGC who fails the first available
certification examination to reapply, no later than 30 days
after the date of the examination, on a one-time basis, for an
additional TLGC.
4)States that a TLGC expires upon the occurrence of any of the
following events:
a) The issuance of a genetic counselor license;
b) 30 days after the department is notified that an
applicant has failed the certification examination, or on
the date that the applicant applies and is granted an
additional temporary license, as specified; or,
c) The TLGC's expiration date.
5)Requires a person holding a TLGC to work under the general
supervision of a licensed genetic counselor or a licensed
physician and surgeon.
EXISTING LAW :
1)Requires the department to establish 100 specified hereditary
disorder programs and to license master level genetic
counselors and doctoral level geneticists under the Hereditary
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Disorders Act.
2)Prohibits an unlicensed person from using the title of genetic
counselor.
3)Provides for the licensing and regulation of various healing
arts practitioners by regulatory boards in the Department of
Consumer Affairs.
FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown
COMMENTS :
Purpose of this bill . According to the author's office, "This
bill would create a temporary licensure provision, which would
allow graduates with a genetic counseling degree to work in
California under the supervision of a licensed genetic counselor
or physician until they take the certification exam."
Background . The National Society of Genetic Counselors states,
"Genetic counselors work as members of a health care team,
providing information and support to families who have members
with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families who may
be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. They identify
families at risk, investigate the problem present in the family,
interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance
patterns and risks of recurrence and review available options
with the family. Genetic counselors also provide supportive
counseling to families, serve as patient advocates and refer
individuals and families to community or state support services.
They serve as educators and resource people for other health
care professionals and for the general public. Some counselors
also work in administrative capacities. Many engage in research
activities related to the field of medical genetics and genetic
counseling."
There are presently over 300 genetic counselors practicing in
California.
SB 1364 (Johnston), Chapter 941, Statues of 2000, established
genetic counselor licensing provisions, to be implemented by
department regulation. These regulations are still pending.
However, the enabling legislation did not provide for a
temporary license, which would allow genetic counselors to
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practice under the supervision of a licensed genetic counselor
or physician while they await the opportunity to take the
certification exam, which is offered once yearly. Although the
department is currently working on regulations that include a
temporary license, the author argues that authorizing
legislation is necessary.
The Board of Registered Nursing issues interim permits for
applicants who have recently graduated from a registered nursing
program and have not taken the licensing exam.
Previous legislation . SB 1364 (Johnston), Chapter 941, Statues
of 2000 established genetic counselor licensing provisions, to
be implemented by department regulation.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION :
Support
None on file.
Opposition
None on file.
Analysis Prepared by : Sarah Weaver / B., P. & C.P. / (916)
319-3301