Necessity Of Licensure

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (3), no person shall engage in the practice of genetic counseling, act or represent such person to be a genetic counselor, or use such titles as “genetic counselor”, “licensed genetic counselor”, “gene counselor”, “genetic associate” or any words, letters, abbreviations or insignia indicating or implying that such person is a genetic counselor, unless such person holds a license or temporary license issued by the Board. (2) Use of Titles - Any person who possesses a valid, current and active license issued by the Board that has not been suspended or revoked has the right to use the titles listed in paragraph (1) and to practice genetic counseling, as defined in T.C.A. §§ 63- 6-802 (8) and 63-6-803. Any person licensed by the Board to whom this rule applies must use one (1) of the titles authorized by this rule in every “advertisement” [as that term is defined in rule 0880-13-.14(2)(a)] he or she publishes or the failure to do so will constitute an omission of a material fact which makes the advertisement misleading and deceptive and subjects the genetic counselor to disciplinary action pursuant to T.C.A. § 63-6-807(b)(1), (b)(7), (b)(9) and (b)(10). (3) This rule shall not apply to: (a) Other qualified and licensed health care professionals who are practicing within their scope of practice. Individuals may not use the title “genetic counselor” or any other title tending to indicate they are a genetic counselor unless licensed as such in this state. (b) Students enrolled in an approved academic program in genetic counseling, if practice constitutes a part of a supervised course of study and such student is designated by a title clearly indicating such student’s status as a student or trainee. (c) An individual trained as a genetic counselor, who is reapplying for the ABGC certification examination and gathering logbook cases under supervision in an approved genetic counseling training site. (d) Individuals employed by a state genetics center to provide education regarding single gene conditions, including, but not limited to, sickle cell, cystic fibrosis, and hemoglobinopathies. The individual may not use the title “genetic GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING CHAPTER 0880-13 THE PRACTICE OF GENETIC COUNSELORS counselor” or any other title tending to indicate they are a genetic counselor unless licensed as such in this state. (e) Visiting ABGC or ABMG certified genetic counselors from outside the state performing activities and services for a period of thirty (30) days each year. Visiting genetic counselors must be licensed if available in their home state.