Maryland Licensure is in effect!
Applications for genetic counselor licensure for the state of Maryland became available on October 23, 2023. The application along with instructions on the Maryland Board of Physicians Website is located here.
Please review the resource links here for information before reaching out to the Maryland Board of Physicians with questions.
Thank you for joining our webinar on October 6, 2023, “Getting ready for Maryland licensure”!
The webinar started with a 30-minute presentation from the MDCGC Public Policy Committee (PPC) and was followed by a 30-minute moderated Q&A with representatives from the PPC and Maryland Board of Physicians. Slides from the presentation are available here, and a recording is available here.
Topics covered:
Who does and does not need a license in Maryland
Who does and does not need a license in Maryland
What is the process and timeline to obtain a license?
What are the requirements & fees to obtain a Maryland license?
What about new graduates?
In follow-up to this webinar, we will also be presenting interim updates and addressing unanswered questions at the MDCGC Annual Education Conference on 11/10/23. A separate request for questions will be sent out in the weeks preceding the conference.
Licensure for Maryland Genetic Counselors is officially law!
We are so excited to announce that there is officially a law for the licensure of genetic counselors in Maryland! You can read the full text of the law here.
Now that the law has been passed, the law is in the rule-making stage. There are still some details that must be worked out before the process of applying for and granting licensure for genetic counselors begins. While the law goes into effect on October 1, 2021, the licensure requirements will be in effect starting January 1, 2024. We will update our community with more information as it becomes available.
If you have questions about the state licensure law, check out the recording from our webinar or the frequently asked questions below. If you have specific questions regarding your day to day workflow changes and licensure, please contact your internal compliance department. State licensure differs from federal licensure. The NSGC has information about public policy efforts on the federal level.
Our Public Policy Committee chair, Margo Gallegos, explains state and federal licensure in this NSGC Perspectives article.
FAQ MD Webinar
When did the law become enacted?
Passed May 30, 2021. Becomes active October 1, 2021. There will be a period of time during which rule-making occurs and then after rule-making is complete, individuals can start applying for licenses*.
Who needs Maryland licensure?
Any individual who wishes to practice the act of or to be called a “genetic counselor” in the state of MD. (Based on patient’s location at the time of appointment)
When do I need a license by?
January 1, 2024
How long does a license last?
2 years
*Please note this is a correction and will not match with what was stated in the webinar
What do I need to get a license?
ABGC certification
What if I don’t have ABGC certification?
Before 12/31/2024, you need to apply with ALL of the following: Completion of a master’s program in genetic counseling, practicing 10 years before 1/1/2024, and 3 letters of recommendation.
How do I get a license?
Complete a criminal background check, pay the fee*, submit an application to the board before 12/31/2023.
What is the cost?
Not yet established, will be established after law becomes active.
What do I need to renew my license?
Remain in good standing with the board, pay renewal fee, submit application form required for renewal, satisfactory compliance with CEU requirements*, and meet any additional requirements required by board*
What about GCs who do not need to meet CEU requirements for ABGC?
Likely will need to complete CEU requirement established*
Who does not need a license?
Individuals who do not see patients, individuals who are in/active license in other state if consulting (sees <10 patients per year in MD), students in training in GC training program
How does licensure work for newly graduated GCs?
Receive a supervised genetic counseling license which is valid for one year. New grad must be supervised by a qualified supervisor who monitors the performance of patient interactions.
Who is a qualified supervisor for new grads?
Licensed GC who has practiced 3+ years OR a physician who has been licensed in the state for 5+ years
Who is supervised genetic counseling license issued to?
Graduated from accredited GC program, has board eligible status, AND the individual has applied for first available certifying exam
Who can NOT receive a supervised genetic counseling license?
An individual who has failed the ABGC exam 2+ times and a supervised GC who has not passed the exam within 2 exam cycles cannot continue to practice under a supervised GC license
Can genetic counselors independently order genetic tests under this law?
Yes, genetic counselors can order genetic tests. Under the law, practicing genetic counseling means “Identifying, Ordering, and coordinating genetic laboratory tests or other diagnostic tests, as appropriate, for the purposes of a genetic assessment…”
IMPORTANT NOTE: If, while practicing genetic counseling, a licensed GC determines that a patient requires a diagnosis or treatment, THE GENETIC COUNSELOR SHALL REFER THE PATIENT TO A LICENSED PHYSICIAN OR ANOTHER APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER. [Document referral in medical record.]
What happens if there is a complaint?
If there is a complaint for a reason listed in the law…
Licensee will be given opportunity for hearing before Board/disciplinary panel
If convicted or plead guilty, license can be suspended/revoked
Fine can be imposed in addition to suspending/revoking license, reprimanding licensee, or placing licensee on probation
Individuals who have licensed revoked will have information disclosed to public by Board
Unable to practice genetic counseling or refer to self as genetic counselor/similar (violation $1000 fine or imprisonment for 1 year)
Who will be on the GC licensing board?
Genetic Counseling Advisory Committee established under the Board of Physicians (*appointment process will be established after rule making complete)
Advisory committee consists of: 3 practicing genetic counselors, 3 licensed physicians, One unbiased consumer member.
What about government employees?
Section 14-5G-08 of the law states “individuals employed by the US Government to practice genetic counseling while practicing within the scope of that employment” are exempt from the requirements of this law.
What about performing telemedicine?
If you are performing telemedicine services to a patient in MD, you need a license. If you are performing telemedicine services to a patient in another state, you need to be licensed in that state. There is no reciprocity between other states and MD for GC licensure. [Note: We are not recognized as licensed providers by the Centers for Medicaid/Medicare]
*Logistics will be established by Board after rule making complete. Specific logistic information will be provided by MDCGC once the process is established.