§30-3H-8. Scope of practice.

(a) A genetic counselor's scope of practice includes the following:

(1) Obtaining and evaluating individual patient and patient family member medical histories to determine the genetic risk for genetic or medical conditions and diseases in a patient, his or her offspring, and other family members;

(2) Discussing with a patient and the patient's family the features, natural history, means of diagnosis, genetic and environmental factors, and management of risk factors for genetic or medical conditions and diseases;

(3) Identifying, ordering, and coordinating genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies as appropriate for genetic assessment, consistent with practice-based competencies provided by ACGC;

(4) Integrating genetic laboratory test results and other diagnostic studies with personal and family medical history to assess and communicate risk factors for genetic or medical conditions and diseases;

(5) Explaining to a patient and the patient's family the clinical implications of genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies and their results;

(6) Evaluating the patient’s or family's responses to the condition or risk of recurrence and providing patient-centered counseling and anticipatory guidance;

(7) Identifying and utilizing community resources that provide medical, educational, financial, and psychosocial support and advocacy; and

(8) Providing written documentation of medical, genetic, and counseling information to patients, their families, and health care professionals.

(b) Genetic counseling does not include diagnosis or treatment and when, in the course of providing genetic counseling services to a client, a genetic counselor finds any indication of a disease or condition that requires diagnosis and treatment, the genetic counselor shall refer the client to a licensed physician or appropriate licensed health care provider.

(c) A genetic counselor may provide telehealth services. The board shall promulgate a rule for legislative approval establishing the standard of care for the provision of genetic counseling via telehealth.

(d) Nothing in this article may be construed to permit a genetic counselor to diagnose, test, or treat any disease or condition.

(e) In the course of his or her professional practice, a genetic counselor may not recommend that an expectant mother obtain an elective abortion.

(f) Not withstanding any other provision of this code to the contrary, and to the degree permitted by federal law, genetic counselors shall be considered providers and may not be reimbursed at rates lower than other providers who render similar genetic counseling services by health insurers as well as health plans operated or paid for by the state.