West Virginia requires most genetic counselors to hold licenses

The West Virginia Board of Medicine licenses genetic counselors and may issue permits for supervised practice. The rules cover genetic counseling for patients in West Virginia, subject to listed exceptions for certain health professionals, federal employees, assistants, students, supervised permit holders, and temporary consultants. Applicants must be at least 21 and meet the listed education, certification, fitness, criminal-history, and other requirements. Candidates with Active Candidate Status may practice only with a board permit, a written agreement, and qualified supervision. The law exempts specified people, including certain health professionals working within their own profession, supervised students, and temporary consultants who meet the listed rules. Counselors may advise about genetic risks and arrange genetic tests, but may not diagnose or treat disease. They must refer clients who need diagnosis or treatment to an appropriate licensed provider. The license and title-use rules took effect July 1, 2026. An ACS permit lasts up to one year and may expire sooner under the listed conditions.

Genetic counselors may counsel patients about inherited health risks and testing, but may not diagnose, test, or treat disease or recommend an elective abortion. These limits and permissions apply to genetic counselors practicing in West Virginia. Counseling may include reviewing family history, explaining risks and test results, and arranging genetic tests. Counselors may provide telehealth under board rules. To the extent federal law allows, health insurers and state-operated or state-paid health plans may not reimburse counselors at lower rates than other providers for similar services.

The board may investigate complaints and discipline genetic counselors and permit holders; health care facilities must report specified formal discipline. The board's oversight covers genetic counselors and ACS permit holders. The reporting duty applies to health care facilities that formally discipline a genetic counselor in the specified ways. After a hearing, the board may deny or restrict practice, revoke authorization, require treatment or training, or impose a fine of up to $10,000. Facilities need not report temporary suspensions for late records or related minor administrative matters. Facilities must report within 60 days after the formal disciplinary process ends or after any resulting legal action concludes.

First-time applicants for listed West Virginia licenses, including genetic counseling, must complete state and national criminal background checks. The requirement applies to people applying for the first time for licenses from the boards listed in the law, including genetic counselor licenses. Applicants must submit fingerprints and authorize the required records checks. Applicants pay the actual fingerprinting and check costs. An attorney applicant may submit a letter of good standing from the state Supreme Court clerk instead. The board must propose rules for legislative approval before implementing the check procedures. The board must propose rules for legislative approval before putting the background-check procedures into effect.