483.911 – Short title.

483.911 Short title.—This part may be cited as the “Genetic Counseling Workforce Act.” History.—s. 1, ch. 2021-133.

483.912 – Legislative findings and intent.

483.912 Legislative findings and intent.—The sole legislative purpose for enacting this part is to ensure that every genetic counselor practicing in this state meets minimum requirements for safe practice. The Legislature finds that the delivery of genetic counseling services by unskilled and incompetent persons presents a danger to public health and safety. Because it is difficult […]

483.913 – Definitions.

483.913 Definitions.—As used in this part, the term: (1) “Department” means the Department of Health. (2) “Genetic counselor” means a person licensed under this part to practice genetic counseling. (3) “Scope of practice of genetic counseling” means the process of advising an individual or a family affected by or at risk of genetic disorders, including: (a) Obtaining and evaluating individual, […]

483.914 – Licensure requirements.

483.914 Licensure requirements.— (1) Any person desiring to be licensed as a genetic counselor under this part must apply to the department on a form approved by department rule. (2) The department shall issue a license, valid for 2 years, to each applicant who: (a) Has completed an application. (b) Is of good moral character. (c) Provides satisfactory documentation of having […]

483.915 – Licensure renewal and continuing education requirements.

483.915 Licensure renewal and continuing education requirements.— (1) The department shall renew a license upon receipt of a renewal application. (2) The department shall adopt by rule continuing education requirements consistent with nationally accepted standards of the American Board of Genetic Counseling, Inc. History.—s. 1, ch. 2021-133.

483.916 – Prohibitions; penalties.

483.916 Prohibitions; penalties.— (1) A person may not: (a) Make a false or fraudulent statement in any application, affidavit, or statement presented to the department. (b) Practice genetic counseling or hold himself or herself out as a genetic counselor or as being able to practice genetic counseling or to render genetic counseling services without a license issued under this […]

483.917 – Grounds for disciplinary action; penalties.

483.917 Grounds for disciplinary action; penalties.— (1) The following acts constitute grounds for denial of a license or disciplinary action, as specified in s. 456.072(2): (a) Attempting to obtain, obtaining, or renewing a license under this part by fraudulent misrepresentation. (b) Having a license revoked, suspended, or otherwise acted against, including the denial of licensure in another jurisdiction. (c) Being […]

483.918 – Conscience clause.

483.918 Conscience clause.—This part may not be construed to require any genetic counselor to participate in counseling that conflicts with his or her deeply held moral or religious beliefs. The licensing of a genetic counselor may not be contingent upon participation in such counseling. A counselor’s refusal to participate in counseling that conflicts with his or […]

483.919 – Exemptions.

483.919 Exemptions.—This part does not apply to: (1) Commissioned medical officers of the United States Armed Forces or the United States Public Health Service while on active duty or while acting within the scope of their military or public health responsibilities. (2) A health care practitioner as defined in s. 456.001, other than a genetic counselor licensed under […]