Alabama Administrative Code Title 405 - ALABAMA BOARD OF GENETIC COUNSELING
Title 405 of the Alabama Administrative Code is dedicated to the Alabama Board of Genetic Counseling. This board was created to regulate the practice of genetic counseling within the state, ensuring that only qualified and competent professionals provide these specialized healthcare services. Its primary mission is to protect the public health and safety by establishing licensure standards and overseeing professional conduct.
Genetic counselors play a vital role in healthcare by providing risk assessment, education, and support to individuals and families regarding inherited medical conditions, genetic testing, and the interpretation of genetic information.
Here's a breakdown of the key chapters and what they typically cover within Alabama Administrative Code Title 405:
Chapter 405-X-1 - LICENSURE: This is the most crucial chapter, detailing the requirements and procedures for obtaining a license to practice genetic counseling in Alabama.
Qualifications for Licensure: This rule specifies the criteria an applicant must meet. Generally, this includes:
Being at least 21 years of age.
Submitting a complete application form.
Not having engaged in conduct that would be grounds for discipline.
Education: Successfully completing a master's degree in genetic counseling from an Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) or American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG) accredited training program (or an approved equivalent).
Certification: Successfully passing the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) Certification Examination, or its equivalent. The rules often incorporate the ABGC's certification requirements by reference.
Paying the required fees.
Temporary Licenses: Provisions for temporary licenses, often for individuals who have completed their education and clinical training but are awaiting the results of their certification examination. These typically require supervision.
Renewal of License: Outlines the process for biennial (every two years) license renewal, including deadlines, fees, and the requirement to meet continuing education standards. Licenses typically expire on October 1st.
Restoration of Expired or Inactive License: Procedures for reactivating a license that has expired or been placed on inactive status. This may involve additional fees and demonstrating continued fitness to practice.
Change of Name or Contact Information: Requirements for licensees to notify the Board of any changes to their name or contact details.
Schedule of Fees: A comprehensive list of fees for various applications (initial, temporary, restoration), license fees, renewal fees, and inactive status fees.
Chapter 405-X-2 - DISCIPLINARY ACTION: This chapter outlines the grounds for disciplinary action against a genetic counselor's license and the procedures the Board follows in such cases.
Grounds for Disciplinary Action: Examples include:
Violating any provisions of the Alabama Genetic Counselor Act or the Board's rules.
Engaging in fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit in obtaining or renewing a license.
Professional incompetence or negligence.
Practicing outside the scope of genetic counseling as defined by the Board.
Substance abuse affecting professional judgment.
Conviction of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude.
Complaint and Investigation Procedures: Details how complaints are filed, how the Board investigates allegations (including the formation of an investigative committee), and the steps involved in gathering evidence.
Hearings: Procedures for formal administrative hearings in contested cases where disciplinary action is being considered, ensuring due process for the licensee.
Disciplinary Actions: The types of actions the Board can take, which may include reprimand, censure, probation, suspension, or revocation of a license, and the imposition of civil penalties.
Chapter 405-X-3 - CONTINUING EDUCATION: This chapter details the mandatory continuing education (CE) requirements for licensed genetic counselors to maintain their licensure.
CE Requirements: Specifies the number of continuing education units (CEUs) or contact hours required for each renewal period (e.g., 2.5 CEUs or 25 contact hours approved for recertification by the ABGC).
Approved CE: Likely specifies what types of educational activities count towards CE and how they must be documented.
Waivers/Modifications: Provisions for the Board to waive or modify CE requirements in cases of retirement, illness, disability, or other undue hardship.
Key Legislation:
The Alabama Board of Genetic Counseling and its rules operate under the authority of the Alabama Genetic Counselor Act (Code of Ala. 1975, §34-13A-1 et seq.), which was enacted to establish the legal framework for licensing genetic counselors in the state. Alabama began requiring licensure for genetic counselors in 2021.
Where to Find Alabama Administrative Code Title 405:
Legal Information Institute (LII) at Cornell Law School or Justia Regulations: These legal databases also provide searchable access to the Alabama Administrative Code, including Title 405.
It is essential for genetic counselors practicing in or seeking to practice in Alabama to consult the most current version of these rules, as they are subject to updates by the Board to reflect changes in statutes, national standards, and best practices in the field.
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