SB190 Summary

• Establishes the Arkansas Genetic Counselor Licensure Act under Arkansas Code Title 17, Chapter 95, Subchapter 11, requiring licensure of genetic counselors by the Arkansas State Medical Board.

• Defines genetic counseling as assisting individuals with understanding medical, psychological, and familial implications of genetic disease, including interpreting family histories, educating about inheritance and testing, and facilitating informed decision-making.

• Exempts from licensure certain professionals including physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, students in approved programs, and employees of state genetics centers educating about single gene conditions.

• Requires applicants to hold a master's degree from an accredited genetic counseling program and current certification from the American Board of Genetic Counseling or American Board of Medical Genetics to obtain a license valid for two years.

• Allows the Arkansas State Medical Board to issue temporary licenses for one year to applicants with active-candidate status who are awaiting certification examination results, with renewal permitted if first examination attempt fails.