The bill establishes a Genetic Counselors Practice Act in West Virginia, introducing new licensing requirements for genetic counselors, including mandatory criminal background checks and the necessity of holding a valid license to practice. It outlines the qualifications for licensure, such as age, education, certification, and the absence of relevant criminal convictions. The bill also creates an ACS permit for individuals with Active Candidate Status from the American Board of Genetic Counseling, allowing them to practice under supervision while preparing for certification. Additionally, it details the responsibilities of genetic counselors, which include obtaining medical histories, discussing genetic risks, and coordinating genetic tests, while explicitly stating that they do not diagnose or treat diseases.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the structure and authority of the West Virginia Board of Medicine, ensuring board members are actively engaged in clinical practice and reside in the state. It mandates continuing education for license renewal, establishes disciplinary procedures for violations, and criminalizes the misrepresentation of a genetic counselor as a licensed physician, classifying it as a felony. The bill also emphasizes the board's ability to investigate complaints, impose penalties, and maintain confidentiality regarding voluntary agreements related to substance dependency treatment. Overall, the legislation aims to create a structured and professional environment for genetic counseling services in West Virginia, effective July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-1D-1, 30-3-4, 30-3-5, 30-3-6, 30-3-7, 30-3-8, 30-3-9, 30-3-10, 30-3-10b, 30-3H-1, 30-3H-2, 30-3H-3, 30-3H-4, 30-3H-5, 30-3H-6, 30-3H-7, 30-3H-8, 30-3H-9, 30-3H-10, 30-3H-11, 30-3H-12, 30-3-7a, 30-3-11, 30-3-11a, 30-3-11b, 30-3-11c
Committee Substitute: 30-1D-1, 30-3-4, 30-3-5, 30-3-6, 30-3-7, 30-3-8, 30-3-9, 30-3-10, 30-3-10b, 30-3H-1, 30-3H-2, 30-3H-3, 30-3H-4, 30-3H-5, 30-3H-6, 30-3H-7, 30-3H-8, 30-3H-9, 30-3H-10, 30-3H-11, 30-3H-12, 30-3-7a, 30-3-11, 30-3-11a, 30-3-11b, 30-3-11c
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 30-1D-1, 30-3-4, 30-3-5, 30-3-6, 30-3-7, 30-3-8, 30-3-9, 30-3-10, 30-3-10b, 30-3H-1, 30-3H-2, 30-3H-3, 30-3H-4, 30-3H-5, 30-3H-6, 30-3H-7, 30-3H-8, 30-3H-9, 30-3H-10, 30-3H-11, 30-3H-12, 30-3-7a, 30-3-11, 30-3-11a, 30-3-11b, 30-3-11c
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 30-1D-1, 30-3-4, 30-3-5, 30-3-6, 30-3-7, 30-3-8, 30-3-9, 30-3-10, 30-3-10b, 30-3H-1, 30-3H-2, 30-3H-3, 30-3H-4, 30-3H-5, 30-3H-6, 30-3H-7, 30-3H-8, 30-3H-9, 30-3H-10, 30-3H-11, 30-3H-12, 30-3-7a, 30-3-11, 30-3-11a, 30-3-11b, 30-3-11c