SB 1574 Summary

• Establishes licensure requirement for genetic counselors in Arizona, effective January 1, 2021, administered by the Department of Health Services.

• Requires applicants to hold current certification from the American Board of Genetic Counseling, American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics, or equivalent, with reciprocity available for applicants licensed in other states.

• Allows provisional one-year licenses (renewable for one additional year) for applicants with "active candidate status" while they pursue certification, requiring supervision by a licensed genetic counselor or physician.

• Provides grandfather clause allowing genetic counselors practicing in Arizona for at least eight years before enactment to obtain licensure with documentation of relevant degree, three letters of recommendation, and continuing education.

• Establishes disciplinary authority for the director to deny, suspend, or revoke licenses for violations, unprofessional conduct, or felony convictions, and makes unlicensed practice of genetic counseling a class 6 felony.