Definitions

The following terms as used in 270 CMR shall have the following meanings: ABGC. The American Board of Genetic Counseling or its equivalent successor agency. ABGC Certification Examination. The certification examination for genetic counselors of the American Board of Genetic Counseling. ABMG. The American Board of Medical Genetics or its equivalent successor agency. ABMG Certification Examination. The certification examination for M.D. clinical geneticists, genetic counselors, and Ph.D. medical geneticists of the American Board of Medical Genetics. ACGC. The Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling. Board. The Board of Registration of Genetic Counselors. Certification. The voluntary process by which a certifying agency grants recognition and use of a credential to individuals who have met predetermined and standardized criteria. Certifying agencies may require individuals to be periodically recertified. Certification Examination. The certification examination for genetic counselors of the ABGC, the ABMG, or other certification examination for genetic counselors that meets the standards established by the ABGC or the ABMG, unless otherwise stated. Certifying Agency. The ABGC, the ABMG, or other non-governmental genetic counselor certifying agency that meets the standards established by the ABGC or the ABMG, unless otherwise stated. CMR. The Code of Massachusetts Regulations. Competency. The knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the role of a licensed genetic counselor and his or her delivery of genetic counseling services in accordance with accepted standards of practice. Continuing Education Unit (CEU). The credit awarded for attendance at Board-approved post-licensure educational programs and activities relevant to practice as a licensed genetic counselor. The Board accepts the following equivalencies: one contact hour = 0.1 CEU; ten contact hours = one CEU. Fully Licensed Genetic Counselor or Full Licensee. A person licensed by the Board to engage in practice as a genetic counselor pursuant to M.G.L. c. 13, § 105, having met and maintained the qualifications for licensure under M.G.L. c. 112, §§ 253 through 258. (MA REG. # 1329, Dated 12-30-16) 2.02: continued General Supervision. The supervision provided by a fully licensed genetic counselor, or a licensed physician with current ABMG certification in clinical genetics, who has the overall responsibility to assess the work of the supervisee, whether a provisional or full licensee. General supervision shall not require the physical presence of the provisional or full licensee's supervisor where such licensee provides genetic counseling services; however, the supervisor shall be readily accessible for consultation and assistance whenever such licensee provides such services. License. A license to practice as a provisionally licensed genetic counselor or as a fully licensed genetic counselor, and any right to extend a provisional license or to renew a full license. Licensed Physician. A person holding a full and unrestricted medical license issued by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine pursuant to M.G.L. c. 112, § 2. M.G.L. Massachusetts General Laws. Person. An individual and does not mean an association of individuals or a legal entity. Practice of Genetic Counseling. A communication process conducted by one or more appropriately trained individuals that may include: (a) estimating the likelihood of occurrence or recurrence of a birth defect or of any potentially inherited or genetically influenced condition. This assessment may involve: 1. obtaining and analyzing a complete health history of the person and family; 2. reviewing pertinent medical records; 3. evaluating the risks from exposure to possible mutagens or teratogens; and recommending genetic testing or other evaluations to diagnose a condition or determine the carrier status of one or more family members; (b) helping the individual, family, health care provider, or public to: 1. appreciate the medical, psychological, and social implications of a disorder, including its features, variability, usual course, and management options; learn how genetic factors contribute to the disorder and affect the chance for recurrence of the condition in other family members; 3. understand available options for coping with, preventing, or reducing the chance of occurrence or recurrence of a condition; 4. select the most appropriate, accurate, and cost-effective methods of diagnosis; and 5. understand genetic or prenatal tests, coordinate testing for inherited disorders, and interpret complex genetic test results; (c) facilitating an individual's or family's: 1. exploration of the perception of risk and burden associated with the disorder; 2. decision-making regarding testing or medical interventions consistent with their beliefs, goals, needs, resources, culture, and ethical or moral views; and 3. adjustment and adaptation to the condition or their genetic risk by addressing needs for psychological, social, and medical support. Provisional License. A license issued by the Board authorizingits holder to engage in supervised practice as a provisional licensee. Provisionally Licensed Genetic Counselor or Provisional Licensee. A person licensed by the Board to engage in supervised practice as a provisionally licensed genetic counselor pursuant to M.G.L. c. 13, § 100, having met and maintained the qualifications for provisional licensure under M.G.L. c. 112, §§ 228, 229, and 230. Supervisor. A Massachusetts fully licensed genetic counselor, or a Massachusetts licensed physician with current ABMG certification in clinical genetics, who has the overall responsibility to assess the work of the supervisee, whether a provisional or full licensee. The supervisor of a provisional or full licensee shall not be required to be physically present where such licensee provides genetic counseling services; however, the supervisor shall be readily accessible for consultation and assistance whenever such licensee provides such services. The provisions of 270 CMR are severable. If any provision therein is declared unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity of the remaining portions shall not be affected.