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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 10, 2018 12:42 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Thomas H. Killion |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Genetic Counselors Ordering Genetic Testing |
| I plan to introduce 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. Currently, under the Act of Dec. 22, 2011, P.L. 581, No. 126, 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. In all, 23 states have adopted similar legislation, with an additional 25 states actively engaged in licensure efforts. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as SB1074