For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) ABGC. The American Board of Genetic Counseling, or its successor or equivalent.
(2) ABMGG. The American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics, or its successor or equivalent.
(3) ACGC. The Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling, or its successor or equivalent.
(4) BOARD. The Alabama Board of Genetic Counseling.
(5) EXAMINATION FOR LICENSURE. The ABGC or ABMGG certification examination, or the examination provided by a successor entity to the ABGC or ABMGG, to test the competence and qualifications of applicants to practice genetic counseling.
(6) GENETIC COUNSELING. The provision of services by a genetic counselor to do any of the following:
a. Obtain and evaluate individual, family, and medical histories to determine genetic risk for genetic or medical conditions and diseases in a patient, his or her offspring, or other family members.
b. Discuss the features, natural history, means of diagnosis, genetic and environmental factors, and management of risk for genetic or medical conditions and diseases.
c. Identify, recommend, and coordinate genetic tests and other genetic related diagnostic studies as appropriate for the genetic assessment consistent with practice-based competencies provided by the ACGC.
d. Integrate genetic test results and other genetic-related diagnostic studies with personal and family medical history to assess and communicate risk factors for genetic or medical conditions and diseases.
e. Explain the clinical implications of genetic tests and other genetic-related diagnostic studies and their results.
f. Evaluate the responses of the client or family to the condition or risk of recurrence and provide client-centered counseling and anticipatory guidance.
g. Identify and utilize community resources that provide medical, educational, financial, and psychosocial support and advocacy.
h. Provide written documentation of medical, genetic, and counseling information for families and health care professionals.
(7) GENETIC COUNSELING INTERN. A student enrolled in a genetic counseling program accredited by the ACGC or ABMGG.
(8) GENETIC COUNSELOR. An individual licensed by the board to engage in the practice of genetic counseling.
(9) GENETIC TEST or GENOMIC TEST.
a. A test or analysis of human genes, gene products, Deoxyribonucleic acid, Ribonucleic acid, chromosomes, proteins, or metabolites that does any of the following:
1. Detects genotypes, mutations, chromosomal changes, abnormalities, or deficiencies, including carrier status, that are linked to physical or mental disorders or impairments.
2. Indicates a susceptibility to illness, disease, impairment, or other disorders, whether physical or mental.
3. Demonstrates genetic or chromosomal damage due to environmental factors.
b. The terms genetic test and genomic test do not include any of the following:
1. Routine physical measurements.
2. Chemical, blood, and urine analyses that are widely accepted and in use in clinical practice.
3. Tests for the use of drugs.
4. Tests for the presence of a pathogen.
5. Analyses of proteins or metabolites that do not detect genotypes, mutations, chromosomal changes, abnormalities, or deficiencies.
6. Analyses of proteins or metabolites that are directly related to a manifested disease, disorder, or pathological condition that could reasonably be detected by a health care professional with appropriate training and expertise in the field of medicine involved.
(10) NSGC. The National Society of Genetic Counselors, or its successor or equivalent.
(11) QUALIFIED SUPERVISOR. Any individual licensed as a genetic counselor, a physician licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in this state, or an individual certified in molecular genetic pathology by the American Board of Pathology and the ABMGG.
(12) SUPERVISION. The overall responsibility of a qualified supervisor to assess the work of a genetic counselor with a temporary license, including regular meetings and chart review, if an annual supervision contract signed by the supervisor and the temporarily licensed genetic counselor is on file with both parties. The presence of a qualified supervisor is not required during the performance of the genetic counseling service.
Last modified: May 3, 2021