Frequently Asked Questions
What do genetic counselors do?
What is the practice of genetic counseling?
What qualifications are needed for licensure as a
genetic counselor?
How and when
can I apply?
How much will it cost to become licensed?
Will there be a provision for me to practice pending
passage of the required examination?
Will I need to complete HIV/AIDS education and
training?
How can I be involved and stay informed?
What do
genetic counselors do?
Genetic counselors provide
information on medical genetics and counsel
individuals and families on genetic disorders.
What is the practice of genetic counseling?
Genetic counselors work with other
health care professionals to inform and support
people who have an inherited risk for genetic
disorders, people diagnosed with genetic diseases
and the families of children born with birth
defects. The first section of the bill defines the
practice of genetic counseling. It may be further
defined as we develop rules.
What qualifications are needed for licensure as a
genetic counselor?
We are developing rules to detail
the specific education and examination requirements
for licensing.
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How and when can
I apply?
We will start accepting applications
about 60 days before the effective date of the law.
The law goes into effect August 1, 2010. We will
make the application forms available on the program
Web page.
How much will it cost to become licensed?
We are working on a fee study to
establish the licensing fees. We will have more
information when we complete the study.
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Will there be a provision for me to practice pending
passage of the required examination?
Yes. The law allows a provisional
license for those who meet all the requirements for
licensing, except for the successful completion of
an examination. We will develop rules to detail the
process and requirements for a provisional license.
Will I need to complete HIV/AIDS education and
training?
Yes. State law requires all
practitioners to complete four or seven hours of
HIV/AIDS education prior to initial licensure,
registration, or certification. (WAC
246-12-260) We will develop rules on the number
of hours of HIV/AIDS education for licensure. Some
educational programs may already include the needed
hours. Visit the department’s
HIV/AIDS Education and Training Services Web site
for more information on courses.
How can I be involved and stay informed?
You can join our
interested parties list. We will send notices
and updates to our
interested parties list as new information
becomes available.
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