Scope Of Practice

TITLE 54 PROFESSIONS, VOCATIONS, AND BUSINESSES CHAPTER 56 GENETIC COUNSELORS 54-5603. SCOPE OF PRACTICE. A licensed genetic counselor may perform the following acts as a genetic counselor: (1)  Obtain and evaluate individual, family and medical histories to determine genetic risk for genetic or medical conditions and diseases in a patient, his offspring and other family members; (2)  Discuss the features, natural history, means of diagnosis, genetic and environmental factors and management of risk for genetic medical conditions and diseases; (3)  Identify and coordinate genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies as appropriate for the genetic assessment; (4)  Integrate genetic laboratory test results and other diagnostic studies with personal and family medical history to assess and communicate risk factors for genetic medical conditions and diseases; (5)  Explain the clinical implications of genetic laboratory tests, other diagnostic studies and results; (6)  Evaluate the client’s or family’s responses to the condition or risk of recurrence and provide client-centered counseling and anticipatory guidance; (7)  Identify and utilize community resources that provide medical, educational, financial and psychosocial support and advocacy; and (8)  Provide written documentation of medical, genetic and counseling information for families and health care professionals.