Arizona law requires licenses for most genetic counselors

The law provides for a board to license and regulate genetic counselors. The board regulates genetic counselors practicing in Arizona. The board terminates on July 1, 2034. The law’s genetic counseling chapter is repealed on January 1, 2035.

The law requires a license to practice genetic counseling, with listed exceptions and routes to full or provisional licensure. People already practicing in Arizona when the licensing section takes effect must apply by January 1, 2028. Applicants generally need current certification, must meet board qualifications, and must pay a board-set fee. Exceptions cover other licensed health professionals working within their training, supervised students, certain federal employees, and certified visiting counselors working fewer than 30 days per year who meet the state-of-residence requirement. Some experienced counselors who do not meet the usual qualifications may apply if they meet the listed education, recommendation, and continuing education requirements. A person with active candidate status may receive a provisional license and must work under a qualified supervisor. The licensing requirement applies after the board completes rulemaking and no later than October 1, 2026. Current practitioners must apply by January 1, 2028.

The law lets a genetic counselor decline requested counseling that conflicts with the counselor’s conscience. The rule applies to genetic counselors who decline to take part in or provide requested genetic counseling because of their religious, moral, or ethical beliefs. A counselor who declines must promptly tell the patient and offer the board’s online directory; the counselor need not refer the patient to a specific provider. The law bars adverse action and licensing consequences for declining on this basis. Immunity does not cover intentional crimes or knowing changes to medical records, test results, or diagnostic information.