Bill
HR 487
Designates November 13, 2025 as Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day in Illinois to recognize genetic counselors’ contributions to patient care; ceremonial, with no funding.
Status: Resolution adopted
Introduced: January 16, 2025
Official action highlights: Referred to House Committee on Agriculture (1/16/2025); subsequently placed on Local & Consent Calendars, Congratulatory & Memorial Resolutions Calendar, referred to Public Health and Rules Committees; House read and adopted (3/4/2025); reported enrolled (4/1/2025); final placement on Calendar Order of Resolutions and resolution adopted (10/28/2025). Filed with Clerk by Rep. Nabeela Syed (record shows additional co-sponsor additions in Oct. 2025).
Note on source text: The bill file provided includes an unrelated congratulatory resolution (recognizing two wrestlers) that appears to be from a different HR 487. The operative text for this summary is the Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day resolution filed in the Illinois General Assembly.
Purpose and intent
- To designate November 13, 2025 as “Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day” in the State of Illinois and to formally recognize the professional contributions of genetic counselors to patient care.
- To acknowledge the scientific significance of human genome sequencing and the role genetic counselors play in translating that research into improved health outcomes.
Key provisions
- A formal, non-binding state House resolution declaring November 13, 2025 as Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day in Illinois.
- Acknowledges facts and roles described in the resolution text, including:
- There are “over 150” certified genetic counselors in Illinois and approximately 5,000 genetic counselors nationwide (figures cited in the resolution).
- Genetic counselors assist patients and families by taking medical and family histories, explaining genetic testing options and results, supporting informed decision‑making, helping to avoid unnecessary testing, advising prospective parents on hereditary risks, facilitating family communication, and recommending community supports.
- Recognition of the sequencing of the human genome as a major scientific accomplishment and support for the application of genomic research in healthcare.
Who is affected
- Direct legal or budgetary effects: none. This is a ceremonial/recognitional resolution and does not create new rights, duties, or funding.
- Practical/visibility effects: raises public and policymaker awareness of genetic counseling as a health profession; may support advocacy for workforce development, insurance coverage, or integration of genetic counseling into health services.
Procedural and timeline notes
- Introduced January 16, 2025 and advanced through multiple calendars and committees before formal adoption in 2025 (see status above).
- Sponsors and cosponsors listed in the record include a mix of names (Rep. Nabeela Syed is recorded as filing with the Clerk; additional cosponsors were added in October 2025). The file also includes names from other jurisdictions — readers should refer to the official legislative journal for final sponsor attribution.
Practical impact
- Symbolic recognition intended to honor and increase awareness of genetic counselors’ contributions to patient care and public health.
- May be used by stakeholders (professional associations, health systems, legislators) as a basis for outreach, celebration events, or advocacy but confers no regulatory or funding changes.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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