Section 18.704. Application for genetic counselor license by uncertified persons

(a) An applicant for a license to practice as a genetic counselor who has never passed the ABGC or ABMG certification examination shall submit, on forms made available by the Board, a completed application for a license to practice as a genetic counselor, including the necessary supporting documents, and pay the application fee in § 16.13(m) (relating to licensure, certification, examination and registration fees).

(b) The Board may issue a license to practice as a genetic counselor to an uncertified applicant who:

(1) Submits an application to the Board, along with the required supporting documentation, by February 20, 2015.

(2) Demonstrates that the applicant is at least 21 years of age and of good moral character as required under section 13.4(e)(1) and (2) of the act (63 P. S. § 422.13d(e)(1) and (2)).

(3) Demonstrates that the applicant has received a master’s degree or higher in genetics or a related field of study and has worked as a genetic counselor for a minimum of 3 continuous years preceding December 22, 2011, or has received a bachelor’s degree in genetics or a related field of study and has been employed as a genetic counselor for at least 10 continuous years prior to December 22, 2011.

(i) Proof of the degree shall be sent directly from the applicant’s educational program and include an official transcript.

(ii) Related fields of study must include core courses in genetics.

(iii) Proof of employment as a genetic counselor may include Federal income tax forms or notarized letters from the applicant’s employers.

(4) Submits at least three letters of recommendation, including one from a genetic counselor certified by the ABGC or the ABMG and one from either a clinical geneticist or medical geneticist certified by the ABMG. A person who submits a letter of recommendation shall have worked with the applicant in an employment setting sometime during the previous 10 continuous years and be able to attest to the applicant’s competency in providing genetic counseling services.

(5) Demonstrates that the applicant has obtained professional liability insurance, or is exempt from the requirement to obtain professional liability insurance, as set forth in § 18.710 (relating to professional liability insurance coverage for genetic counselors).