April 8, 2021 - Introduced by Representatives Steffen, Rozar, Brostoff, Billings,
Cabral-Guevara, Dittrich, Duchow, Goyke, Kitchens, Kuglitsch,
Skowronski, Tittl and Wichgers, cosponsored by Senators Testin, Darling,
Erpenbach, Johnson, Larson, Pfaff and Wirch. Referred to Committee on
Regulatory Licensing Reform.

AB255,1,11 1An Act to renumber 252.14 (1) (ar) 4q., 448.970, subchapter VIII (title) of
2chapter 448 [precedes 448.980] and subchapter IX (title) of chapter 448
3[precedes 448.985]; to amend 15.085 (1m) (b), 49.45 (9r) (a) 7. b., 146.81 (1) (dg),
4146.997 (1) (d) 4., 155.01 (7), 252.14 (1) (ar) 4e., 446.01 (1v) (d), 448.956 (1m),
5448.956 (4), 450.10 (3) (a) 5., 451.02 (1) and 462.04; and to create 15.406 (7),
648.981 (2) (a) 20m., 146.81 (1) (eu), 252.14 (1) (ar) 4s., 440.03 (13) (b) 30m.,
7440.08 (2) (a) 37m. and subchapter VIII of chapter 448 [precedes 448.970] of the
8statutes; relating to: the regulation and licensure of genetic counselors,
9creating a genetic counselors affiliated credentialing board, providing an
10exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority,
11and providing a penalty.

This bill provides for regulation and licensing for the practice of genetic
counseling.

Under the bill, subject to certain exceptions, no one may practice genetic
counseling, as defined in the bill, or use the title “genetic counselor” or make similar

representations without a license to practice genetic counseling. A license is granted
by the seven-member Genetic Counselors Affiliated Credentialing Board, created in
the bill. Under the bill, the board is attached for limited purposes to the Medical
Examining Board, which regulates physicians and certain other professions.

Under the bill, the board may grant an initial license to a person who has
successfully completed academic requirements for genetic counseling specified in
the bill, has passed an examination specified in the bill, is certified by the American
Board of Genetic Counseling, does not have an arrest or conviction record, and pays
a fee. The bill also allows the board, for three months after the requirement in the
bill to obtain a license goes into effect, to grant an initial license to practice genetic
counseling to certain individuals who cannot satisfy all of the requirements
described above but who satisfy certain experience and other requirements.
Biennial renewal of a license requires completion of at least 30 hours of continuing
education and maintenance of certification or recertification through the American
Board of Genetic Counseling. The bill also includes provisions for the unlicensed
temporary practice of genetic counseling and temporary licenses to practice genetic
counseling.