"ABGC", the American Board of Genetic Counseling, a national agency for certification and recertification of genetic counselors or its successor agency.
"ABMG", American Board of Medical Genetics, a national agency for certification and recertification of genetic counselors, MD geneticists and PhD geneticists or its successor agency.
"Board", the board of registration of genetic counselors.
"General supervision", a supervisor, whether a licensed genetic counselor or MD, who has the overall responsibility to assess the work of the supervisee, whether a provisional or fully-licensed genetic counselor, including regular meetings and chart review; provided, however, that an annual supervision contract signed by the supervisor and supervisee shall be on file with both parties.
"Licensed genetic counselor", a person licensed under section 105 of chapter 13 to engage in the practice of genetic counseling.
"Practice of genetic counseling", a communication process, conducted by 1 or more appropriately trained individuals, that may include:
(a) estimating the likelihood of occurrence or recurrence of a birth defect or of any potentially inherited or genetically influenced condition. This assessment may involve: (1) obtaining and analyzing a complete health history of the person and family;(2) reviewing pertinent medical records;(3) evaluating the risks from exposure to possible mutagens or teratogens; and(4) recommending genetic testing or other evaluations to diagnose a condition or determine the carrier status of 1 or more family members;(b) helping the individual, family, health care provider or public to: (1) appreciate the medical, psychological and social implications of a disorder, including its features, variability, usual course and management options;(2) learn how genetic factors contribute to the disorder and affect the chance for recurrence of the condition in other family members;(3) understand available options for coping with, preventing or reducing the chance of occurrence or recurrence of a condition;(4) select the most appropriate, accurate and cost-effective methods of diagnosis; and(5) understand genetic or prenatal tests, coordinate testing for inherited disorders, and interpret complex genetic test results; and(c) facilitating an individual's or family's:(1) exploration of the perception of risk and burden associated with the disorder;(2) decision-making regarding testing or medical interventions consistent with their beliefs, goals, needs, resources, culture and ethical or moral views; and(3) adjustment and adaptation to the condition or their genetic risk by addressing needs for psychological, social and medical support. "Provisional licensed genetic counselor", a person with a provisional license issued under section 255.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 112, § 252
Amended by Acts 2015, c. 10,§ 28, eff. 3/31/2015.Added by Acts 2008, c. 451,§ 73, eff. 1/5/2009.