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Bill > HB675

MS HB675

Genetic counselors; provide for licensure and regulation of by State Board of Health.

summary

Introduced
01/15/2025
In Committee
02/17/2025
Crossed Over
02/06/2025
Passed
Dead
03/04/2025

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An Act To Be Known As The Mississippi Genetic Counselor Practice Act; To Provide For The Licensure And Regulation Of Genetic Counselors By The State Board Of Health; To Define Certain Terms And Define The Scope Of Practice Of Genetic Counseling; To Provide That From And After January 1, 2025, A License Issued Under This Act Is Required To Engage In The Practice Of Genetic Counseling; To Prohibit Persons From Holding Themselves Out As Genetic Counselors Unless They Are Licensed In Accordance With This Act; To Prescribe The Minimum Qualifications For Genetic Counseling Licensure; To Provide For Reciprocal Licensure For Persons Who Are Licensed Or Registered As A Genetic Counselor Under The Laws Of Another State; To Authorize The Board To Grant Provisional Genetic Counselor Licenses For Persons Who Have Been Granted Active Candidate Status; To Prescribe Continuing Education Requirements For Licensees; To Provide Exemptions From Licensure For Certain Persons; To Create The Mississippi Council Of Advisors In Genetic Counseling To Advise The Board And Department On Matters Relating To The Administration And Interpretation Of The Provisions Of This Act; To Prescribe The Powers And Duties Of The Board In Administering The Provisions Of This Act; To Authorize The Board To Deny, Suspend Or Revoke Licenses For Certain Conduct; To Authorize The Board To Receive And Process Complaints And Investigate Allegations Or Practices Violating The Provisions Of This Act; To Authorize The Board To Seek Injunctive Relief To Prohibit Persons From Providing Services As A Genetic Counselor Without Being Licensed Under This Act; To Provide Criminal Penalties For Violations Of This Act; To Create A Task Force To Study Alternative Funding Programs And Their Effect On Patient Access To Affordable Prescription Drugs In Mississippi; And For Related Purposes.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for genetic counselors in Mississippi, requiring licensure and professional oversight by the State Board of Health starting January 1, 2025. The legislation defines genetic counseling as a specialized healthcare profession involving obtaining and interpreting medical histories, assessing genetic risks, explaining genetic conditions, ordering and interpreting genetic tests, providing counseling, and facilitating informed medical decision-making. To become licensed, genetic counselors must have a master's degree and certification from recognized professional boards like the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) or American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG). The bill creates a Mississippi Council of Advisors in Genetic Counseling to provide guidance, establishes continuing education requirements of 12.5 hours every five years, and allows for provisional licensing for candidates working toward full certification. The law prohibits individuals from practicing or representing themselves as genetic counselors without proper licensure, with exceptions for certain healthcare professionals and federal employees. The State Board of Health is granted authority to investigate, issue, renew, suspend, or revoke licenses, and individuals found practicing without a license may face misdemeanor charges with fines up to $1,000 or up to six months in county jail. The bill aims to ensure professional standards, protect public safety, and regulate the growing field of genetic counseling in Mississippi.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Died In Committee (on 03/04/2025)

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