The Access and Service Delivery Committee’s Licensure Subcommittee has had an extremely successful year in moving state licensure forward for genetic counselors. The Subcommittee approved state licensure grant requests for five states (Florida, Montana, New York, Texas, and Wisconsin) totaling $77,000 in funding for lobbying support in those states. In 2021 alone, four states (Florida, Maryland, Montana, and Oregon) passed licensure laws, and two states (Florida and Michigan) moved out of rules and regulations and are now accepting licensure applications. You can find an up-to-date map of all states with licensure laws in effect (29 total) and in rulemaking (four total) on NSGC’s States Issuing Licenses page.
If you or your anyone on your team needs licensure in multiple states, you can find several useful resources at the bottom of the States Issuing Licenses page, thanks to a group of GC managers that reviews and updates these resources every six months. Resources range from an introduction and quick start guide to application checklists state-by-state. Additionally, there is a list of renewal dates and CEU requirements for each state in the Licensure Renewal and Continuing Education Information document.
In October 2021, the Licensure Subcommittee hosted another Yellow State Initiative call (so-named for the states colored yellow on NSGC’s State Licensure Map) which promotes GCs in states without licensure getting involved in passing licensure in their state. The Licensure Subcommittee’s Chair, Katie Lang; and Vice-Chair, Margo Gallegos, also wrote an article in Perspectives encouraging GCs to advocate for licensure in the remaining yellow states, even if it seems to be a daunting task. NSGC offers State Licensure Grant Awards, which cover the cost of lobbying support, as well as any additional expertise and resources you could need. These efforts aim to make this process as simple as possible for any GCs who wish to move licensure efforts forward in their state.
Finally, the Licensure Subcommittee worked closely with PCI, NSGC’s PR firm, to develop a video composed of expert testimonies at state licensure hearings stating the value and importance of genetic counselors in the healthcare field. This video was shared during the State of the Society at the 2021 NSGC Annual Conference.
Our sincerest thanks to all of the genetic counselors who have made 2021 such a successful year in advancing state licensure for genetic counselors. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jennifer Trotter, Staff Liaison to the Access and Service Delivery Committee.
NSGC Headquarters promotes the professional interests of genetic counselors and provides a network for professional communications. Access to continuing education opportunities, professional resources, advocacy and the discussion of all issues relevant to human genetics and the genetic counseling profession are an integral part of belonging to the NSGC.