Aggregated News
Since the development of their field four decades ago, genetic counselors have sought to acquire greater professional standing and increase the likelihood of reimbursement for services through licensure. Currently, genetic counselors have secured licensure in 15 states and hope to achieve this legitimacy in all 50 states.
Acquiring professional recognition should not involve sacrificing core values. Yet this is precisely what is happening in several states where recently approved genetic counseling licensure bills contain "conscience clauses" that potentially curtail the ability of genetic counselors to practice in accordance with their professional ethical code.
In Nebraska, a licensure act passed last year shields genetic counselors who are unwilling to provide a client an abortion referral, even if such action would constitute the best medical option. This month Virginia passed a bill that allows genetic counselors to decline to "participate in counseling that conflicts with their deeply-held moral or religious beliefs," underscoring that such refusal "shall not form the basis for any claim of damages or for any disciplinary or recriminatory action."
In practice this means that a genetic counselor could reject...
Acquiring professional recognition should not involve sacrificing core values. Yet this is precisely what is happening in several states where recently approved genetic counseling licensure bills contain "conscience clauses" that potentially curtail the ability of genetic counselors to practice in accordance with their professional ethical code.
In Nebraska, a licensure act passed last year shields genetic counselors who are unwilling to provide a client an abortion referral, even if such action would constitute the best medical option. This month Virginia passed a bill that allows genetic counselors to decline to "participate in counseling that conflicts with their deeply-held moral or religious beliefs," underscoring that such refusal "shall not form the basis for any claim of damages or for any disciplinary or recriminatory action."
In practice this means that a genetic counselor could reject...