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PURPOSE OF LICENSURE

Rapid advances in understanding the human genome have brought forth a landslide of genetic information that is readily applicable to patient care. The provision of genetic services, in turn, has grown increasingly complex, requiring providers to possess a unique combination of both scientific knowledge and counseling skills. With genetic counselors’ training and continuing education objectives being dedicated to the procurement of these skills, the profession has long been, and will continue to be, a key player in providing genetic services.

Given the complexity and large-scale impact of recent genetic knowledge, it is important to ensure that those who provide these services to the public are adequately trained to do so. Whereas a mechanism for ensuring this exists for physicians and other health professionals through board certification and licensure, a similar mechanism does not currently exist in most states for genetic counselors. Thus, the genetic counselors of Indiana are working toward implementing a licensure system that would ensure the highest standard of care for healthcare consumers in our state.

BENEFITS OF LICENSURE

• Protection of the public
Licensure assures that the public health, safety, and welfare will be reasonably well PROTECTED against unqualified practitioners.

• Improved access to genetic counseling services
Formal recognition of genetic counselors via licensure will allow the public to gain ACCESS to the valuable services of genetic counselors. Without our state government assuming a regulatory role, the public is at risk of being dangerously underserved as the economic pressures on our health care institutions mounts.

• To ensure that genetic counselors are qualified
Licensure will ensure that only QUALIFIED individuals will use the title genetic counselor and will provide genetic counseling.

• To hold genetic counselors accountable for providing accurate information
Licensure for genetic counselors will provide a mechanism to hold genetic counselors ACCOUNTABLE for the information they provide to patients, ensuring high quality care for the citizens of Indiana, and providing RECOURSE if inappropriate care is provided.

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OTHER LEGISLATION SUPPORTED BY THE INGC

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act

This bill will benefit every American and directly improve the lives of those concerned with the misuse of their genetic information in health insurance and employment decisions. We feel very strongly that GINA is critical to the provision of genetic counseling services, as it directly will impact the patients that we serve, providing them with important safeguards for genetic testing.

The current lack of federal legal protections against the misuse of genetic information has restricted individuals’ access to health information and clinical trials. Fear of the misuse of genetic information limits access to genetic tests. Refusal to utilize effective genetic tests hinders the ability of individuals to learn important medical information, which they could proactively use to manage their health. Fear of discrimination also causes a large number of people to opt out of clinical trials. This lack of participation in research has a negative impact on researchers, clinicians, and industry, slowing the research and development process for targeted drugs and treatments. In order to fully promote personalized medicine and the use of genetic information in healthcare, we must pass GINA legislation.

Click HERE for more information on GINA

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