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Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Print number 2904b
- Amend and recommit to higher education
- Print number 2904a
- Amend and recommit to higher education
- Referred to higher education
- Referred to higher education
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Provides for the licensing of genetic counselors; creates the state board for genetic counseling
In Assembly Committee · Higher Education · Sponsor Robert Sweeney
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S2904B
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to licensing of genetic counselors
Purpose
This legislation would establish genetic counseling as a licensed profession.
Summary of provisions
This legislation would establish genetic counseling as a licensed profession in New York State. The bill would provide for licensure, provisional licensure, professional standards, continuing education requirements, conduct and registration of genetic counselors.
Justification
In the last decade, advances in technology and the understanding of human genetics have rapidly expanded the number of tests available to directly test for genetic conditions and genetic susceptibility to common diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. New methods in gene sequencing have made mapping an individual's entire genome a reality. This technology promises to deliver individualized medicine to the public in the very near future.
Interpretation of genetic/genomic test results is complex and requires specialized knowledge and communication skills to: determine whether the patient wants and needs the test; ensure that the patient is taking the most appropriate genetic/genomic test; provide the patient with necessary information to obtain informed consent required by New York State law; facilitate proper medical management based on the patient's genetic/genomic test results; and appropriately disseminate the genetic information to the patient's health care providers and at-risk family members. Genetic counselors who have met the educational requirements and certification standards as established by this legislation are ensured of possessing these requisite skills.
New Yorkers deserve a competent health care workforce that can help to apply genomic information to the public with safety and human rights in mind. The State of New York has a long tradition of protecting the safety and health of individual recipients of professional services by setting high standards for the licensing and conduct of providers of such services. This legislation would ensure the benefits of genetic/genomic information for those who seek it, by ensuring that genetic counselors are licensed and accountable.
Legislative history
2011-12 S.3514/A.5641; 2009-10 S.2757/A.5766; 2007-08, S.1858-A/A.3556A; 2005-06, S.4532/A.8065; 2003-04 S.287A/A.10539; 2001-02 S.2471/A.2360; 2000 S.7563/A.9876.
Fiscal implications
Any fiscal implications related to licensure of the genetic counselors, would be offset through license fees.
Effective date
18 months after becoming a law, provided that continuing education requirements shall take effect three years after enactment.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.