An Act relating to the practice of genetic counseling; relating to the licensure of genetic counselors; establishing the Genetic Counseling Advisory Council; relating to the duties of the State Medical Board; relating to telehealth by licensed genetic counselors; relating to medical malpractice liability of licensed genetic counselors; relating to immunity from civil liability for a licensed genetic counselor providing free health care services; and prohibiting unfair discrimination under group health insurance against genetic counselors.

34th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Zack Fields

Alaska establishes genetic counselor licensure and regulation, allowing telehealth practice, protecting malpractice liability, and prohibiting insurance discrimination against licensed genetic counselors.

(H) REFERRED TO FINANCE

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Legislative bill overview

HB 293 establishes a licensure and regulatory framework for genetic counselors in Alaska, creating the Genetic Counseling Advisory Council and granting the State Medical Board oversight authority. The bill authorizes licensed genetic counselors to practice telehealth, provides medical malpractice liability protections, and prohibits health insurance discrimination against genetic counselors.

Why is this important

Genetic counseling is a specialized healthcare field that helps patients understand genetic testing, inheritance patterns, and disease risk—increasingly important as genetic medicine expands. Currently, Alaska has no specific licensure requirements for genetic counselors, creating potential quality and liability gaps; this bill establishes professional standards and consumer protections while removing barriers to telehealth services in a geographically dispersed state.

Potential points of contention

Scope of practice boundaries: Defining what genetic counselors can independently do versus requiring physician supervision, and whether the advisory council's recommendations will be followed

Licensure costs and barriers: Implementation expenses for licensure, examination requirements, and whether these create barriers for the profession while potentially limiting access in rural areas

Insurance discrimination provisions: The enforceability and definition of "unfair discrimination" against genetic counselors by insurers, and whether this creates unintended coverage mandates