§ 63-1-562. Definitions.  


Latest version.
  • As used in the Genetic Counseling Licensure Act:

    1.  “ABGC” means the American Board of Genetic Counseling;

    2.  “ABMG” means the American Board of Medical Genetics;

    3.  “General supervision” means the process of a supervisor, whether licensed as a genetic counselor or a physician, having overall responsibility to assess the work of a supervisee, including regular meetings and chart reviews.  An annual supervision contract signed by the supervisor and supervisee shall be on file with both parties; and

    4.  “Genetic counseling” means a communication process, conducted by one or more appropriately trained individuals, that includes:

    a.estimating the likelihood of occurrence or recurrence of a birth defect or of any potentially inherited or genetically influenced condition.  Such assessment may involve:

    (1)obtaining and analyzing a complete health history of an individual and the individual’s family,

    (2)review of pertinent medical records,

    (3)evaluation of the risks from exposure to possible mutagens or teratogens, or

    (4)discussion of genetic testing or other valuations to diagnose a condition or determine the carrier status of one or more family members,

    b.helping an individual, the individual’s family, a health care provider, or the public to:

    (1)appreciate the medical, psychological and social implications of a disorder including its features, variability, usual course, and management options,

    (2)learn how genetic factors contribute to the disorder and affect the chance for recurrence of the condition in other family members,

    (3)understand available options for coping with, preventing or reducing the chance of occurrence or recurrence of a condition,

    (4)select the most appropriate, accurate and cost-effective methods of diagnosis, or

    (5)understand genetic or prenatal tests, coordinate testing for inherited disorders, and interpret genetic test results, and

    c.facilitating an individual’s or family’s:

    (1)exploration of the perception of risk and burden associated with a disorder,

    (2)decision-making regarding testing or medical interventions consistent with the individual’s or family’s beliefs, goals, needs, resources, culture and ethical or moral views, or

    (3)adjustment and adaptation to the condition or the individual’s or family’s genetic risk by addressing needs for psychological, social and medical support.

Added by Laws 2006, c. 174, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2006.