Chapter 448

448.9701 448.9701 License required; exceptions.

448.9701(1) (1) 

448.9701(1)(a) (a) Except as provided in sub. (2), no person may practice genetic counseling unless the person is licensed under this subchapter.

448.9701(1)(b) (b) No person may designate himself or herself 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 under this subchapter.

448.9701(2) (2) A license is not required under this subchapter for any of the following if the person does not claim to be a genetic counselor:

448.9701(2)(a) (a) Any person, such as a physician, who is lawfully practicing within the scope of a license, permit, registration, or certification granted by this state or the federal government.

448.9701(2)(b) (b) Any person assisting a genetic counselor in practice under the direct, on-premises supervision of the genetic counselor.

448.9701(2)(c) (c) 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 or training.

448.9701(2)(d) (d) 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, as determined by the board by rule, if the person notifies the board that he or she will be providing consulting services and of the nature and date of those services and receives authorization from the board to provide consulting services on a temporary basis under this paragraph.

448.9701(2)(e) (e) 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, as determined by the board by rule, if the person satisfies all of the following:

448.9701(2)(e)1. 1. The person is certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling or the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics.

448.9701(2)(e)2. 2. The person notifies the board that he or she will be providing consulting services and of the nature and date of those services.

448.9701(2)(e)3. 3. The person receives authorization from the board to provide consulting services on a temporary basis under this paragraph.

448.9701 Note NOTE: This section was created as s. 448.971 by 2021 Wis. Act 251 and renumbered to s. 448.9701 by the legislative reference bureau under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2.

448.9701 History History: 2021 a. 251; s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2.

448.9703 448.9703 Duties and powers of board. The board shall promulgate rules to do all of the following:

448.9703(1) (1) Adopt the National Society of Genetic Counselors code of ethics as a code of ethics governing the professional conduct of genetic counselors.

448.9703(2) (2) Establish criteria for the approval of continuing education programs and courses required for renewal of a genetic counselor license.

448.9703(3) (3) Establish requirements for an applicant seeking renewal of a genetic counselor license, including that an applicant has satisfied all of the following:

448.9703(3)(a) (a) Successfully completed at least 30 hours of continuing education in the prior 2-year period.

448.9703(3)(b) (b) Maintained certification from and, if applicable, achieved recertification through the American Board of Genetic Counseling.

448.9703(4) (4) Adopt a definition of “temporary basis” for purposes of s. 448.9701 (2) (d) and (e).

448.9703 Note NOTE: This section was created as s. 448.973 by 2021 Wis. Act 251 and renumbered to s. 448.9703 by the legislative reference bureau under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2. In sub. (4), the cross-reference to s. 448.9701 (2) (d) and (e) was changed from s. 448.971 (2) (d) and (e) by the legislative reference bureau under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2. to reflect the renumbering under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2. of s. 448.971, as created by 2021 Wis. Act 251.

448.9703 History History: 2021 a. 251; s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2.

448.9704 448.9704 Licensure of genetic counselors.

448.9704(1) (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:

448.9704(1)(a) (a) Submits an application for the license to the department on a form provided by the department.

448.9704(1)(b) (b) Pays the fee specified in s. 440.05 (1).

448.9704(1)(c) (c) Subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322, and 111.335, submits evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant does not have an arrest or a conviction record.

448.9704(1)(d) (d) Submits evidence satisfactory to the board that he or she has done all of the following:

448.9704(1)(d)1. 1. Satisfied one of the following:

448.9704(1)(d)1.a. a. Successfully completed 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.

448.9704(1)(d)1.b. b. Successfully completed a degree-granting program outside of the United States that the board determines is substantially equivalent to a program described in subd. 1. a.

448.9704(1)(d)2. 2. 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.

448.9704(1)(d)3. 3. Obtained certification, maintained valid certification, and, if applicable, achieved recertification with the American Board of Genetic Counseling.

448.9704(2) (2) 

448.9704(2)(a) (a) The board may waive the requirements of sub. (1) (d) if the applicant holds an unexpired genetic counselor license issued by another state or territory or foreign country or province and the requirements for licensure and for renewal of a genetic counselor license of such other state or territory or 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 license of this state.

448.9704(2)(b) (b) The board may waive the requirements of sub. (1) (d) if the applicant does all of the following:

448.9704(2)(b)1. 1. Applies for licensure under sub. (1) by September 1, 2023.

448.9704(2)(b)2. 2. Submits evidence satisfactory to the board of all of the following:

448.9704(2)(b)2.a. a. Having at least 10 years of documented work experience practicing genetic counseling.

448.9704(2)(b)2.b. b. Having completed, within the previous 5 years, 25 hours of continuing education approved by the National Society of Genetic Counselors.

448.9704(2)(b)3. 3. Submits to the board 2 letters of recommendation, one from a genetic counselor and another from a physician.

448.9704 Note NOTE: This section was created as s. 448.974 by 2021 Wis. Act 251 and renumbered to s. 448.9704 by the legislative reference bureau under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2.

448.9704 History History: 2021 a. 251; s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2.

448.9705 448.9705 Temporary license.

448.9705(1) (1) The board may, by rule, provide for a temporary license to practice genetic counseling for an applicant who satisfies the requirements of s. 448.9704 (1) other than the examination requirement under s. 448.9704 (1) (d) 2.

448.9705 Note NOTE: The cross-reference to s. 448.9704 (1) was changed from s. 448.974 (1) and the cross-reference to s. 448.9704 (1) (d) 2. was changed from s. 448.974 (1) (d) 2. by the legislative reference bureau under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2. to reflect the renumbering under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2. of s. 448.974, as created by 2021 Wis. Act 251.

448.9705(2) (2) Except as provided in sub. (3), a temporary license issued under this section expires upon granting of a license under s. 448.9704 (1) or on whichever of the following dates occurs first:

448.9705 Note NOTE: The cross-reference to s. 448.9704 (1) was changed from s. 448.974 (1) by the legislative reference bureau under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2. to reflect the renumbering under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2. of s. 448.974, as created by 2021 Wis. Act 251.

448.9705(2)(a) (a) The date that is one year after the date on which the temporary license was granted.

448.9705(2)(b) (b) If, after the applicant obtains a temporary license under this section, the American Board of Genetic Counseling administers the examination required under s. 448.9704 (1) (d) 2. and the applicant takes the examination, 30 days after the results of the examination are issued by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.

448.9705 Note NOTE: The cross-reference to s. 448.9704 (1) (d) 2. was changed from s. 448.974 (1) (d) 2. by the legislative reference bureau under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2. to reflect the renumbering under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2. of s. 448.974, as created by 2021 Wis. Act 251.

448.9705(3) (3) The board may, in its discretion and only once, renew a temporary license issued to a person under this section, for a period specified by the board, if the person maintains active candidate status with the American Board of Genetic Counseling. The board may require an applicant for the renewal of a temporary license to appear before a member of the board for an interview.

448.9705(4) (4) A person who holds a temporary license issued under this section may not practice genetic counseling unless the person is under the supervision and direction of a genetic counselor or physician at all times while the person is practicing genetic counseling. The board may promulgate rules governing general supervision of a person holding a temporary license under this section by a genetic counselor or physician.

448.9705 Note NOTE: This section was created as s. 448.975 by 2021 Wis. Act 251 and renumbered to s. 448.9705 by the legislative reference bureau under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2.

448.9705 History History: 2021 a. 251; s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2; s. 35.17 correction in (2) (intro.).

448.9706 448.9706 Issuance of license; expiration and renewal.

448.9706(1) (1) The department shall issue a certificate of licensure to each person who is licensed under this subchapter.

448.9706(2) (2) Except as provided in s. 448.9705, the renewal dates for licenses granted under this subchapter are specified under s. 440.08 (2) (a). Renewal applications shall be submitted to the department on a form provided by the department, and shall include the renewal fee specified in s. 440.08 (2) (a) and proof of compliance with the requirements established by rules promulgated by the board under s. 448.9703 (3).

448.9706 Note NOTE: This section was created as s. 448.976 by 2021 Wis. Act 251 and renumbered to s. 448.9706 by the legislative reference bureau under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2. In sub. (2), the cross-reference to s. 448.9705 was changed from s. 448.975 and the cross-reference to s. 448.9703 (3) was changed from s. 448.973 (3) by the legislative reference bureau under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2. to reflect the renumbering under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2. of ss. 448.973 and 448.975, as created by 2021 Wis. Act 251.

448.9706 History History: 2021 a. 251; s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2.

448.9707 448.9707 Disciplinary proceedings and actions; prohibited practice.

448.9707(1) (1) Subject to the rules promulgated under s. 440.03 (1), the board may make investigations and conduct hearings to determine whether a violation of this subchapter or any rule promulgated under this subchapter has occurred.

448.9707(2) (2) Subject to the rules promulgated under s. 440.03 (1), the board may reprimand a genetic counselor or may deny, limit, suspend, or revoke a license granted under this subchapter if it finds that the applicant or genetic counselor has done any of the following:

448.9707(2)(a) (a) Made a material misstatement in an application for a license or for renewal of a license.

448.9707(2)(b) (b) Interfered with an investigation or disciplinary proceeding by using threats, harassment, or intentional misrepresentation of facts.

448.9707(2)(c) (c) Subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322, and 111.335, been convicted of an offense the circumstances of which substantially relate to the practice of genetic counseling.

448.9707(2)(d) (d) Been adjudicated mentally incompetent by a court.

448.9707(2)(e) (e) Advertised in a manner that is false, deceptive, or misleading.

448.9707(2)(f) (f) Advertised, practiced, or attempted to practice under another’s name.

448.9707(2)(g) (g) Subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322, and 111.34, practiced or assisted in the practice of genetic counseling while the applicant’s or licensee’s ability to practice or assist was impaired by alcohol or other drugs.

448.9707(2)(h) (h) Engaged in unprofessional or unethical conduct in violation of the code of ethics adopted in the rules promulgated under s. 448.9703 (1).

448.9707 Note NOTE: The cross-reference to s. 448.9703 (1) was changed from s. 448.973 (1) by the legislative reference bureau under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2. to reflect the renumbering under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2. of s. 448.973, as created by 2021 Wis. Act 251.

448.9707(2)(i) (i) Engaged in conduct while practicing genetic counseling that evidences a lack of knowledge or ability to apply professional principles or skills.

448.9707(2)(j) (j) Violated this subchapter or any rule promulgated under this subchapter.

448.9707(3) (3) The board shall revoke the license of a genetic counselor who has failed to maintain certification with the American Board of Genetic Counseling or whose certification with the American Board of Genetic Counseling has been revoked.

448.9707(4) (4) 

448.9707(4)(a) (a) A genetic counselor may voluntarily surrender his or her license to the board, which may refuse to accept the surrender if the board has received allegations of unprofessional conduct against the genetic counselor. The board may negotiate stipulations in consideration for accepting the surrender of licenses.

448.9707(4)(b) (b) The board may restore a license that has been voluntarily surrendered under par. (a) on such terms and conditions as it considers appropriate.

448.9707(5) (5) The board shall prepare and disseminate to the public an annual report that describes final disciplinary action taken against genetic counselors during the preceding year.

448.9707(6) (6) The board may report final disciplinary action taken against a genetic counselor to any national database that includes information about disciplinary action taken against health care professionals.

448.9707(7) (7) A genetic counselor may not encourage an expectant parent to obtain an elective abortion.

448.9707 Note NOTE: This section was created as s. 448.977 by 2021 Wis. Act 251 and renumbered to s. 448.9707 by the legislative reference bureau under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2.

448.9707 History History: 2021 a. 251; s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2.

448.9708 448.9708 Injunctive relief. If the board has reason to believe that any person is violating this subchapter or any rule promulgated under this subchapter, the board, the department, the attorney general, or the district attorney of the proper county may investigate and may, in addition to any other remedies, bring an action in the name and on behalf of this state to enjoin the person from the violation.

448.9708 Note NOTE: This section was created as s. 448.978 by 2021 Wis. Act 251 and renumbered to s. 448.9708 by the legislative reference bureau under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2.

448.9708 History History: 2021 a. 251; s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2.

448.9709 448.9709 Penalties. Any person who violates this subchapter or any rule promulgated under this subchapter may be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than 9 months or both.