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Administrative Code

Virginia Administrative Code
10/4/2024

Part IV. Scope of Practice

18VAC85-170-110. General responsibility.

A genetic counselor shall engage in the practice of genetic counseling, as defined in § 54.1-2900 of the Code of Virginia. The practice of genetic counseling may include supervisory, administrative, educational, or consultative activities or responsibilities for the delivery of such services.

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.

18VAC85-170-120. Supervisory responsibilities.

A. A genetic counselor shall be responsible for supervision of unlicensed personnel who work under his direction and ultimately responsible and accountable for patient care and outcomes under his clinical supervision.

B. Delegation to unlicensed personnel shall:

1. Not include delegation of the discretionary aspects of the initial assessment, evaluation, or development of recommendations for a patient, or any task requiring a clinical decision or the knowledge, skills, and judgment of a licensed genetic counselor;

2. Only be made if, in the judgment of the genetic counselor, the task or procedures do not require the exercise of professional judgment and can be properly and safely performed by appropriately trained unlicensed personnel, and the delegation does not jeopardize the health or safety of the patient; and

3. Be communicated on a patient-specific basis with clear, specific instructions for performance of activities, potential complications, and expected results.

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.

18VAC85-170-125. Responsibilities of a temporary licensee.

A. A person holding a temporary license as a genetic counselor shall practice under the clinical supervision of a genetic counselor or a physician licensed in the Commonwealth.

B. Clinical supervision shall require that:

1. The supervisor and temporary licensee routinely meet to review and evaluate patient care and treatment; and

2. The supervisor reviews notes on patient care entered by the temporary licensee prior to reporting study results and making recommendations to a patient. Such review shall be documented by some method in a patient record.

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.

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