Genetic Counselors Ordering Genetic Testing
February 25, 2021 11:07 AM to All House Members
Circulated By
Representative Christopher Quinn
R House District 168
Memo
I plan to reintroduce legislation focused on improving current law relating to genetic counselors.
Pennsylvania is currently the only state with genetic counselor licensure to explicitly disallow their ability to order genetic testing. In order to make the necessary changes for genetic counselors to “order” tests, we need to amend both the Osteopathic Medical Practice and Medical Practice acts and have two separate bills as a pair.
Currently, under the Act of Oct. 5, 1978, P.L 1109, No. 261 (Osteopathic Medical Practice Act) and the Act of Dec. 20 1985, P.L. 457, No. 112 (Medical Practice Act), genetic counselors are not permitted to order genetic tests, despite their specialized training. Yet it's precisely this training in the evaluation of family histories and expertise in genetic testing that is sought by the referring provider. This limitation imposed by the current PA licensure of genetic counselors creates several challenges, most importantly, a delay in the delivery of genetic services.
Specifically, this legislation would allow genetic counselors to order genetic testing to enable patients to receive convenient, high-quality genetic services as evidence-based research demonstrates.
This initiative is a priority of the Pennsylvania Association of Genetic Counselors.
Overall, 24 states have adopted similar legislation, with an additional 24 states actively engaged in licensure efforts.
Please join me in co-sponsoring these pieces of legislation.
Pennsylvania is currently the only state with genetic counselor licensure to explicitly disallow their ability to order genetic testing. In order to make the necessary changes for genetic counselors to “order” tests, we need to amend both the Osteopathic Medical Practice and Medical Practice acts and have two separate bills as a pair.
Currently, under the Act of Oct. 5, 1978, P.L 1109, No. 261 (Osteopathic Medical Practice Act) and the Act of Dec. 20 1985, P.L. 457, No. 112 (Medical Practice Act), genetic counselors are not permitted to order genetic tests, despite their specialized training. Yet it's precisely this training in the evaluation of family histories and expertise in genetic testing that is sought by the referring provider. This limitation imposed by the current PA licensure of genetic counselors creates several challenges, most importantly, a delay in the delivery of genetic services.
Specifically, this legislation would allow genetic counselors to order genetic testing to enable patients to receive convenient, high-quality genetic services as evidence-based research demonstrates.
This initiative is a priority of the Pennsylvania Association of Genetic Counselors.
Overall, 24 states have adopted similar legislation, with an additional 24 states actively engaged in licensure efforts.
Please join me in co-sponsoring these pieces of legislation.
Legislation
Document 1 - Introduced as HB 1233
Former HB106 - This bill would amend the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act.
Document 2 - Introduced as HB 1236
Former HB107 - This bill would amend the Medical Practice Act.
Last updated on February 25, 2021 11:08 AM
Genetic Counselors Ordering Genetic Testing
February 25, 2021 11:07 AM to All House Members
Circulated By
QUINN
Memo
I plan to reintroduce legislation focused on improving current law relating to genetic counselors.
Pennsylvania is currently the only state with genetic counselor licensure to explicitly disallow their ability to order genetic testing. In order to make the necessary changes for genetic counselors to “order” tests, we need to amend both the Osteopathic Medical Practice and Medical Practice acts and have two separate bills as a pair.
Currently, under the Act of Oct. 5, 1978, P.L 1109, No. 261 (Osteopathic Medical Practice Act) and the Act of Dec. 20 1985, P.L. 457, No. 112 (Medical Practice Act), genetic counselors are not permitted to order genetic tests, despite their specialized training. Yet it's precisely this training in the evaluation of family histories and expertise in genetic testing that is sought by the referring provider. This limitation imposed by the current PA licensure of genetic counselors creates several challenges, most importantly, a delay in the delivery of genetic services.
Specifically, this legislation would allow genetic counselors to order genetic testing to enable patients to receive convenient, high-quality genetic services as evidence-based research demonstrates.
This initiative is a priority of the Pennsylvania Association of Genetic Counselors.
Overall, 24 states have adopted similar legislation, with an additional 24 states actively engaged in licensure efforts.
Please join me in co-sponsoring these pieces of legislation.
Pennsylvania is currently the only state with genetic counselor licensure to explicitly disallow their ability to order genetic testing. In order to make the necessary changes for genetic counselors to “order” tests, we need to amend both the Osteopathic Medical Practice and Medical Practice acts and have two separate bills as a pair.
Currently, under the Act of Oct. 5, 1978, P.L 1109, No. 261 (Osteopathic Medical Practice Act) and the Act of Dec. 20 1985, P.L. 457, No. 112 (Medical Practice Act), genetic counselors are not permitted to order genetic tests, despite their specialized training. Yet it's precisely this training in the evaluation of family histories and expertise in genetic testing that is sought by the referring provider. This limitation imposed by the current PA licensure of genetic counselors creates several challenges, most importantly, a delay in the delivery of genetic services.
Specifically, this legislation would allow genetic counselors to order genetic testing to enable patients to receive convenient, high-quality genetic services as evidence-based research demonstrates.
This initiative is a priority of the Pennsylvania Association of Genetic Counselors.
Overall, 24 states have adopted similar legislation, with an additional 24 states actively engaged in licensure efforts.
Please join me in co-sponsoring these pieces of legislation.
Document 1
Former HB106 - This bill would amend the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act.
Introduced as HB 1233
Document 2
Former HB107 - This bill would amend the Medical Practice Act.
Introduced as HB 1236
Last Updated
February 25, 2021 11:08 AM
Generated 04/26/2025 02:57 PM