Part II. Requirements for Licensure As a Genetic Counselor
18VAC85-170-50. Application requirements.
An applicant for licensure shall submit the following on forms provided by the board:
1. A completed application and a fee as prescribed in 18VAC85-170-40.
2. Verification of a professional credential in genetic counseling as required in 18VAC85-170-60.
3. Verification of practice as required on the application form.
4. If licensed or certified in any other jurisdiction, documentation of any disciplinary action taken or pending in that jurisdiction.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2957.19 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. June 14, 2017.
18VAC85-170-60. Licensure requirements.
A. An applicant for a license to practice as a genetic counselor shall provide documentation of (i) a master's degree from a genetic counseling training program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Genetic Counseling and (ii) a current, valid certificate issued by the ABGC or ABMG to practice genetic counseling.
B. Pursuant to § 54.1-2957.19 D of the Code of Virginia, applicants for licensure who do not meet the requirements of subsection A of this section may be issued a license provided they (i) apply for licensure before December 31, 2018; (ii) comply with the board's regulations relating to the NSGC Code of Ethics; (iii) have at least 20 years of documented work experience practicing genetic counseling; (iv) submit two letters of recommendation, one from a genetic counselor and another from a physician; and (v) have completed, within the last five years, 25 hours of continuing education approved by the NSGC or the ABGC. For the purpose of this subsection, the board deems the provisions of Part IV (18VAC85-170-110 et seq.) of this chapter to be consistent with the NSGC Code of Ethics.
C. An applicant for a temporary license shall provide documentation of having been granted the active candidate status by the ABGC. Such license shall expire 12 months from issuance or upon failure of the ABGC certification examination, whichever comes first.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2957.18 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. June 14, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 1, eff. October 4, 2017; Volume 35, Issue 9, eff. February 10, 2019.