The proposed bill would update current statutes by establishing the Board of Genetic Counselors, which will oversee the licensing and regulation of genetic counselors in Arizona. It introduces new provisions, such as the requirement for the Board to maintain an online directory of licensed genetic counselors (Requires the Board to maintain an online directory of licensed genetic counselors.), and grants immunity from civil liability to Board employees acting in good faith (States that Board employees, including the Executive Director, temporary personnel and professional medical investigators are immune from civil liability for good faith actions taken to enforce genetic counseling regulations.). The bill also specifies the qualifications for licensure, including the necessity for active certification with the American Board of Genetic Counseling, and establishes a provisional licensure option for candidates (Enables the Board to grant a person with active candidate status a provisional licensure to practice genetic counseling if the person files an application and pays the provisional license fee established by the Board.). Additionally, the bill proposes to enhance the regulatory framework by protecting genetic counselors' rights of conscience, allowing them to refuse participation in counseling that conflicts with their beliefs without facing penalties. It also introduces provisions for the enforcement of penalties for violations, the establishment of a Genetic Counselor Board Fund, and the inclusion of genetic counselors in the definition of health professionals eligible to provide telehealth services. The bill sets a termination date for the Board in 2034 and includes confidentiality provisions for patient records during investigations. Overall, these updates aim to modernize and clarify the legal framework governing genetic counseling in Arizona while ensuring the rights and responsibilities of practitioners are well-defined.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-3201, 36-3601, 41-3034.01, 41-1750, 92-544, 32-2714, 32-2703, 32-2711, 32-2704, 41-1091, 38-611, 32-2709, 32-2705, 32-2706, 32-2707, 32-2708, 32-2710, 32-2712, 32-2713, 35-146, 35-147, 35-143.01, 12-2291, 12-2801