S491 - NC Genetic Counselors Workforce Act

• Establishes the Genetic Counselors Licensure Board with five members appointed by the General Assembly and Governor to regulate genetic counseling practice in North Carolina.

• Requires genetic counselors to obtain ABGC certification and a state license, with application fees up to $250 and renewal fees of $200 every two years.

• Allows temporary licensure for candidates with Active Candidate Status who have not yet passed the ABGC exam, valid for one year and renewable once if the exam is failed on first attempt.

• Defines genetic counseling scope of practice including patient history evaluation, genetic testing coordination, risk assessment communication, and documentation of counseling services.

• Establishes grounds for license denial, suspension, or revocation including felony conviction, fraud, unprofessional conduct, and failure to maintain continuing education requirements of 30 hours per two-year license period.