Maryland Licensure FAQs

The Maryland Board of Physicians answers many frequently asked questions here.  Some additional answers to questions may be found below. If you still have questions about licensure after reviewing the information on the MDCGC website, please reach out to the Maryland Board of Physicians.

 

General Questions

When did the law become enacted?

The law was passed May 30, 2021 and became active October 1, 2021. The requirement to have a license began on January 1, 2024.  

Who needs Maryland licensure?

Any individual who wishes to practice the act of or to be called a “genetic counselor” in the state of Maryland (based on the patient’s location at the time of an appointment).

Who does not need a license?

Individuals who do not provide direct patient care, individuals who are in/active licensee in another state if consulting (sees < 10 patients per year in MD), and students in training in GC training programs.

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. However, some government employees have been told by their departments that they should be licensed: please check with your employer.

What is the cost of licensing?

The current cost is $300 for a standard license and $100 for a supervised license. There is also a cost for fingerprinting of $51.25 for in-person services or $31.25 if sending in fingerprints by mail (this cost may be different if you go to a private facility). The renewal fee will be $250 with an additional Maryland Health Care Commission fee of up to $26.

This is subject to change over time.  Please consult the Maryland Board of Physicians website for the most up-to-date information.

What if my name has changed?

If your name has changed since applying for a license, you can request a change here: https://www.mbp.state.md.us/forms/ah_name_chg.pdf

What if I am applying for a license after I start a new position?

If you are applying for a license after you have been hired for a position as a genetic counselor, make it clear in your licensing application that you are not currently practicing as a genetic counselor or seeing patients pending approval of your license. Under employment activity, you may want to write that you were hired as a genetic counselor but are not working as a genetic counselor pending receipt of your license.

Who is on the Genetic Counseling Advisory Committee? 

The Genetic Counseling Advisory Committee established under the Board of Physicians includes: 3 practicing genetic counselors, 3 licensed physicians, and one unbiased consumer member.

License Renewals

When does a license need to be renewed?

Licenses expire on January 31 of even numbered years.

When can I apply for a renewal?

The website to renew a license becomes active in early December of the odd year preceding the expiration date. In 2025, the application will be open from 12/3/25 through 1/31/26. More information about the 2025-2026 renewal cycle is available here.

the board of physicians website mentions implicit bias training. do I have to do that?

The Maryland Board of Physicians requires that any health professional renewing their license for the first time must pursue Implicit Bias training. This is a one-time requirement the first time you renew your license. Per the Board of Physicians, the training program must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) or recognized by a health occupation board. The Maryland Board of Physicians does not endorse any specific course, but they have a list of approved courses on their website for convenience. You are not required to submit proof of completion of the course; the renewal application will ask you to attest that you have completed a course. However, the Board recommends that you maintain some record of the course you have completed (i.e. certificate of completion, screenshot).

Impact on Clinical Care

What is the scope of practice for a genetic counselor?

The scope of practice of a licensed genetic counselor or a supervised genetic counselor includes the following:

  1. Obtaining and interpreting individual, family, medical, and developmental histories;

  2. Determining the mode of inheritance and risk of transmission of genetic conditions and birth defects, including evaluating the risks from exposure to possible mutagens and teratogens;

  3. Discussing the inheritance features, natural history, means of diagnosis, and management of genetic conditions and birth defects;

  4. Identifying, ordering, coordinating, and explaining the clinical implications of genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies and their results;

  5. Integrating genetic laboratory test results and other diagnostic studies with personal and family medical history to assess and communicate risk factors for genetic or medical conditions and diseases;

  6. Assessing psychosocial factors;

  7. Recognizing social, educational, and cultural issues;

  8. Evaluating the patient's or family's responses to the condition or risk of recurrence and providing patient-centered counseling and anticipatory guidance; and

  9. Facilitating informed decision-making about testing, management, and alternatives.

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. A referral should be documented in the medical record

Genetic Counselors CANNOT independently order testing for patients with Medicare.

Do I need a license to perform telemedicine?

If you are performing telemedicine services to a patient in Maryland, you need a Maryland 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 Maryland for GC licensure.

What happens if I receive an advisory letter or a formal complaint against me?

In some cases, the Board of Physicians may issue you an advisory letter.  This is not a formal complaint against you.  You may respond to the advisory letter if you disagree with the findings but the Board is not required to respond.

If there is a formal complaint made against a genetic counselor for a reason listed in the law:

  1. The licensee will be given an opportunity for a hearing before the Board of Physicians/disciplinary panel

  2. If the licensee is convicted or plead guilty, license can be suspended/revoked

  3. A fine can be imposed in addition to suspending/revoking license, reprimanding licensee, or placing licensee on probation

  4. Individuals who have their license revoked will have information disclosed to the public by the Board of Physicians

  5. The licensee would be unable to practice genetic counseling or refer to themself as a genetic counselor/similar. A violation in doing so could result in a $1000 fine or imprisonment for 1 year.

The Board of Physicians addresses many questions surrounding complaints here: https://www.mbp.state.md.us/resource_information/faqs/resource_faqs_complaints.aspx

New Graduates and Supervisory Licenses

How does licensure work for newly graduated genetic counselors?

New graduates should receive a supervised genetic counseling license which is valid for one year. New graduates must be supervised by a qualified supervisor who monitors the performance of patient interactions, and they are required to apply for the first available certification exam.

Who is eligible for a supervised genetic counseling license?

Genetic counselors who have graduated from an accredited GC program, have board eligible status, AND who have applied for the first available certification exam.

Genetic counselors who have not passed the ABGC board exam within two exam cycles will not be able to continue to practice under a supervised GC license.

Who is eligible to be a qualified supervisor?

A licensed genetic counselor who has practiced for 3+ years OR a physician who has been licensed in the state for 5+ years.  A supervised genetic counselor must enter into a written supervision contract with their qualified supervisor. This contract must specify the manner of supervision and identify any alternative qualified supervisors, as appropriate. The supervision contract must be maintained by the qualified supervisor and the supervised genetic counselor and made available to the Board upon request.