LICENSE TO PRACTICE GENETIC COUNSELING
Gen Couns 2.01 Initial Licensure.:
(1)
Except as provided in sub. (2), the board shall grant a license as a genetic counselor to an applicant who does all of the following:(a)
Submits a completed application form.Note: Instructions for applications are available from the department of safety and professional services’ website at http://dsps.wi.gov. (b)
Pays the fee determined by the department under s. 440.05 (1), Stats.(c)
Subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322, and 111.335, Stats., submits evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant does not have an arrest or conviction record.(d)
Submits evidence satisfactory to the board of one of the following:1.
Successful completion of the academic and clinical requirements of and developed the practice-based competencies required by a degree-granting program in genetic counseling that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling or the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics.2.
Successful completion of a degree-granting program outside of the United States that the board determines is substantially equivalent to a program described in sub. (d) 1.(e)
Submits evidence satisfactory to the board of having successfully passed an examination administered by the American Board of Genetic Counseling or the genetic counseling examination administered by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics.(f)
Submits evidence of current certification with the American Board of Genetic Counseling.(2)
The board may waive the requirements of subs. (1) (d), (e), and (f) if the applicant holds an unexpired genetic counselor license issued by another state, territory, foreign country, or province and the requirements for licensure and for renewal of a genetic counselor license of the other state, territory, foreign country, or province are deemed by the board to be substantially equivalent to the requirements for licensure and for renewal of a genetic counselor of this state.Gen Couns 2.02 Temporary Licensure. (1) The board may issue a temporary license to an applicant who has completed all of the following:
(a)
Submits a completed application for licensure and a completed application for a temporary license.Note: Instructions for applications are available from the department of safety and professional services’ website at http://dsps.wi.gov. (b)
Pays the fee determined by the department under s. 440.05 (1), Stats.(c)
Submits evidence of completion of the education requirements from s. 2.01 (d).(d)
Submits evidence of current active candidate status with the American Board of Genetic Counseling.(e)
Subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322, and 111.335, Stats., submits evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant does not have an arrest or conviction record.(2)
A person granted a temporary license to practice genetic counseling under this section shall practice at all times under the supervision and direction of a licensed genetic counselor or physician.(3)
Except as provided in sub. (4), a temporary license issued under this section expires upon granting of a license under s. 448.9704 (1), Stats. or on whichever of the following dates occurs first:(a) The date that is one year after the date on which the temporary license was granted.
(b)The date that is 30 days after the American Board of Genetic Counseling issues the results of the examination under s. 448.9704 (1) (d) 2., Stats. (4) The board may grant a one time renewal of a temporary license, for a period specified by the board, if the person maintains active candidate status with the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
(5) The board may require an applicant for the renewal of a temporary license to appear before a member of the board for an interview.
Gen Couns 2.03 Reciprocal Credentials for Service Members, Former Service Members, and their Spouses. A reciprocal license to practice as a genetic counselor shall be granted to a service member, former service member, or the spouse of a service member or former service member who the board determines meets all of the requirements under s. 440.09 (2), Stats. Subject to s. 440.09 (2m), Stats., the board may request verification necessary to make a determination under this section. Gen Couns 2.04 Title Protection. No person may designate themselves as a genetic counselor or use or assume the title “genetic associate,” “genetic counselor,” “licensed genetic counselor,” or “registered genetic counselor,” or append to the person’s name the letters “G.A.,” “G.C.,” “L.G.C.,” or “R.G.C.,” or use any insignia or designation that would imply that the individual is licensed or certified or registered as a genetic counselor, or claim to render genetic counseling services unless the person is licensed by the board.
Gen Couns 2.05 Exceptions. A license to practice genetic counseling is not required for any of the following if the person does not claim to be a genetic counselor:
(1) Any person who is lawfully practicing within the scope of a license, permit, registration, or certification granted by this state or the federal government.
(2) Any person assisting a genetic counselor in practice under the direct, on-premises supervision of the genetic counselor.
(3) A student of genetic counseling assisting a genetic counselor in the practice of genetic counseling if the assistance is within the scope of the student’s education and training.
(4) Pursuant to s. 448.9701 (2) (d), Stats., a person who is licensed to practice genetic counseling in another state or country and who is providing consulting services in this state on a temporary basis. The person must notify the board that they will be providing consulting services and the nature and date of those services. The person must receive authorization from the board to provide consulting services on a temporary basis prior to the beginning of the time period they are providing those consulting services.
(5) Pursuant to s. 448.9701 (2) (e), Stats., a person who is not licensed to practice genetic counseling in another state or country and who is providing consulting services in this state on a temporary basis, if the person satisfies all of the following: (a) Holds a current certification by the American Board of Genetic Counseling or the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics.
(b) Submits notification to the board that they will be providing consulting services and the nature and date of those services.
(c) Receives authorization from the board to provide consulting services on a temporary basis prior to the beginning of the time period they are providing those consulting services.
LICENSE RENEWAL AND REINSTATEMENT
Gen Couns 3.01 License Renewal and Continuing Education.
(1) A licensee shall complete a renewal application approved by the board and return it with the required fee prior to the date specified by ss. 440.03 (9) (a) and 440.08 (2) (a), Stats. Note: Instructions for renewal applications can be found on the department of safety and professional services’ website at http://dsps.wi.gov. (2) Except as provided under sub. (4) and specified by s. 440.08 (2) (a), Stats., a licensee shall attest to the completion of the following: (a) At least 30 hours of continuing education approved by the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
(b) Current certification with the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
(3) Subsection (2)(a) does not apply to the first scheduled renewal date under s. 440.08 (2) (a) 37m., Stats., following the date a license is issued. (4) A licensee shall retain certificates of continuing education attendance for a minimum of four years to be provided to the board upon request.
Gen Couns 3.02 Reinstatement. (1) A licensee who fails for any reason to be licensed as required under this chapter may not exercise the rights or privileges conferred by any license granted by the board.
(2)
Failure to renew a license as specified in s. Gen Couns 3.01 shall cause the license to lapse. A licensee who allows the license to lapse may apply for reinstatement of the license by the board, subject to s. 440.08 (4), Stats., as follows:(a)
If the licensee applies for renewal of the license less than five years after its expiration, the license shall be renewed upon payment of the renewal fee.(b)
If the licensee applies for renewal of the license five or more years after its expiration, the board shall make an inquiry to determine whether the applicant is competent to practice under the license in this state and shall impose any reasonable conditions on the renewal of the license.
(3)
A licensee who has unmet disciplinary requirements and failed to renew a license within five years of the renewal date or whose license has been surrendered or revoked may apply to have a license reinstated if the applicant provides all of the following:(c)
Evidence of completion of any requirements determined by the board under sub. (2) (b) if the licensee has not held an active Wisconsin license in the last five years.(d)
Evidence of completion of disciplinary requirements, if applicable.(e)
Evidence of rehabilitation or a change in circumstances, warranting reinstatement of the license.PRACTICE AND SUPERVISION
Gen Couns 4.01 Scope of Practice. “Genetic counseling,” as defined in s. 448.970 (3), Stats., means to do any of the following: (1) Obtain and evaluate individual, family, and medical histories to determine genetic risk for genetic or medical conditions and diseases in a patient, a patient’s offspring, and other family members.
(2) Discuss the features, natural history, means of diagnosis, genetic and environmental factors, and management of risk for genetic or medical conditions and diseases.
(3) Identify, coordinate, and order genetic laboratory tests as appropriate for genetic assessment.
(4) Integrate genetic laboratory test results with personal and family medical history to assess and communicate risk factors for genetic or medical conditions and diseases.
(5) Explain the clinical implications of genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies and their results.
(6) Evaluate a patient’s or family’s response to the condition or risk of recurrence and provide patient-centered counseling and anticipatory guidance.
(7) Provide written documentation of medical, genetic, and counseling information for families and healthcare professionals.
Gen Couns 4.02 Standards of Practice. Genetic counselors shall adhere to the minimum standards of practice of genetic counseling established in the profession, including the following areas:
(1) REFERRALS. Referrals are not required but may be accepted from licensed healthcare professionals. Patients may also self-refer for genetic counseling services.
(2) INFORMED CONSENT. (a) Any genetic counselor who provides services to a patient shall inform the patient about the availability of reasonable alternatives and about the benefits and risks of these options. The genetic counselor shall obtain consent to perform any services prior to providing them. The reasonable genetic counselor standard is the standard for informing a patient under this section. The reasonable genetic counselor standard requires disclosure only of information that a reasonable genetic counselor would know and disclose under the circumstances.
(b) The genetic counselor’s duty to inform the patient under par. (a) does not require disclosure of any of the following:
1. Detailed technical information that the patient likely would not understand.
2. Risks apparent or known to the patient.
