Signed by Governor Kate Brown

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes the Health Licensing Office to issue genetic counseling licenses to qualified applicants.

Highlights:

• Defines “genetic counseling” as the practice of assisting patients in understanding and adapting to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of genetic conditions (Sec. 1-1).

• Authorizes the Health Licensing Office to issue a license to practice genetic counseling to an applicant who (Sec. 2-1):

• Is at least 18 years of age;

• Is certified by a national certification organization for genetic counselors approved by the office by rule;

• Pays a licensure fee; and

• Meets other requirements established by the office by rule.

• Authorizes The Health Licensing Office to adopt rules to establish the following (Sec. 7):

• A process for issuing licenses to practice genetic counseling;

• A process for renewing licenses to practice genetic counseling;

• Fees for issuing and renewing licenses to practice genetic counseling;

• Qualifications for applicants for initial licensure and licensure renewal; and

• Guidelines by which a licensed genetic counselor shall provide to a patient, or a patient’s family, when and in the manner consistent with the practice of patient- and family-centered care, contact information for support programs and services related to the patient's genetic or medical condition or disease, including information for hotlines, resource centers, local and national organizations, and other educational programs.

• Requires the office to disclose information obtained as part of an investigation to a person who demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that the public interest in disclosure outweighs other interests in nondisclosure, including the public interest in nondisclosure (Sec. 10-2).

• Authorizes a court to issue an injunction without proof of actual damages. An injunction issued under this section does not relieve a person from any other prosecution or enforcement action taken for violation of statutes (Sec. 12-2).

• Specifies the office may take any other disciplinary action that it finds proper, including but not limited to an assessment of costs of disciplinary proceedings, not to exceed $5,000, for violation of any statute or any rule adopted under any statute (Sec. 14-2).

Full Bill Text