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Bill Summary · HB 587

Summary — HB 587: NC Genetic Counselors Workforce Act

Status: Introduced / Committee Substitute (2023 session)
Subject: Establishes licensure and regulation for genetic counselors in North Carolina

Purpose / Intent

HB 587 creates a statutory licensure framework for genetic counselors in North Carolina by establishing a Genetic Counselors Licensure Board and defining the scope, qualifications, supervision, and regulatory oversight for the practice of genetic counseling. The bill aims to standardize practitioner qualifications, protect patients, and regulate entry to the profession.

Key provisions

  • New statutory Article (Chapter 90, Article 44) that defines terms and creates the licensure program for genetic counselors.
  • Definitions: ABGC (American Board of Genetic Counseling), ACGC (Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling), Active Candidate Status (ACS), CEU, “genetic counseling,” “genetic testing,” “genetic counseling intern,” “temporary license,” “qualified supervisor,” “reciprocity,” and related terms. The bill specifies that “genetic counseling” covers services provided to individuals located in the State.
  • Creation of the Genetic Counselors Licensure Board (the Board):
    • Five members serving staggered terms. Initial appointments specified (appointments by General Assembly and Governor) and later regular three‑year appointments.
    • Composition (committee substitute): licensed genetic counselors, one licensed physician, and one public member. Most members must be licensed under the Article and residents of NC.
    • Procedures for vacancies, removal (for cause), meetings (at least twice annually), and officer elections.
    • Members receive no salary but are eligible for per diem and travel expenses; the Board may hire staff.
  • Board powers and duties:
    • Adopt rules, administer and enforce the Article, set qualifications, issue/renew/deny/suspend/revoke licenses, set fees, and discipline licensees.
    • Empower investigations and delegate investigatory functions to members, agents, or counsel.
  • Supervision and temporary licensing:
    • Defines “supervision” and “supervisee” (temporary license holder). Requires an annual supervision contract and assigns oversight responsibilities to a “qualified supervisor” (licensed genetic counselor or licensed physician). Supervisor presence during services is not required, but oversight and chart review are.
  • Reciprocity: Board may issue licenses to qualified out‑of‑state practitioners from jurisdictions with substantially similar licensure requirements.
  • Funding constraint: the State is not liable for Board expenses beyond income derived from the Article (i.e., fees).

Who is affected

  • Genetic counselors practicing or seeking to practice in North Carolina — they will need licensure under the new statutory scheme.
  • Employers (hospitals, clinics, laboratories, telehealth providers) who hire genetic counselors.
  • Medical professionals who may serve as qualified supervisors.
  • Patients/consumers of genetic counseling services — potential benefit from standardized credentialing and disciplinary oversight.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services and administrative entities that will interact with the Board.

Procedural / timeline aspects

  • The bill establishes initial staggered appointments and requires the Board to adopt rules and set fees before full implementation. The bill text sets meeting and operational expectations (e.g., minimum meeting frequency).
  • Specific effective date language is not included in the excerpt; implementation will depend on timing provisions in the enacted bill and on rulemaking and administrative setup by the Board.

Potential impacts

  • Public protection through credentialing and discipline of practitioners.
  • Administrative costs for establishing and operating the Board (expected to be covered by licensing/other fees).
  • Transitional effects on existing practitioners (licensure application burden) and on workforce mobility (reciprocity provisions can facilitate hiring from other states).
  • Employers may need to adjust hiring and supervision practices to comply with licensure and supervision requirements.

This summary is based on the committee substitute text of HB 587 (Genetic Counselors Licensure) as provided. Details such as specific licensing criteria (education, examination, experience, fee amounts, renewal intervals, continuing education requirements) are not fully shown in the excerpts and would be set out in the Board’s rules or other sections of the bill.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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