HB 18-1114

House Bill 18-1114 requires genetic counselors in Colorado to be licensed starting June 1, 2019. To get a license, they need to have the right degree and certification from a national organization. This means only qualified professionals can provide genetic counseling services, protecting patients by ensuring that those who give advice about genetics are properly trained and certified. The bill also sets rules for insurance coverage and disciplinary actions against counselors who break the law. It will be in effect until September 1, 2025. Since it has been signed into law, these requirements are now official state regulations.

Official Summary

The bill enacts the 'Genetic Counselor Licensure Act'. On and after June 1, 2019, a person cannot practice genetic counseling without being licensed by the director of the division of professions and occupations in the department of regulatory agencies. To be licensed, a person must have graduated with an appropriate genetic counseling degree and have been certified by a national body, except that the director may issue a provisional license to a candidate for certification pursuant to requirements established by rule. The bill gives title protection to genetic counselors and standard licensing, rule-making, and disciplinary powers to the director. Genetic counselors must have insurance unless the director, by rule, finds that insurance is not reasonably available. The bill repeals the act on September 1, 2025. Genetic counselors are subject to the mandatory disclosures of the 'Michael Skolnik Medical Transparency Act of 2010'. $22,677 is appropriated to the department of regulatory agencies from the division of professions and occupations cash fund to implement the act. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More

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