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
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 in 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).
How long does a license last?
2 years
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, submit an application to the Maryland Board of Physicians, and pay the application fee.
If your name has changed or if you are a military spouse, it is best to send in documentation (e.g. a marriage license) when you send in your application to prevent delays.
What is the cost to get a license?
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.
The Maryland Board of Physicians has agreed to reassess the fees after the first two application cycles (in 2028).
What if I am applying for a license after I start a new position?
If you are applying for a license after being hired for a position as a genetic counselor, please make it clear (and upload a statement) that you are not practicing as a genetic counselor or seeing patients pending approval of your license. When putting in the employment “activity” do not call yourself a genetic counselor. You may want to write that you were hired as a genetic counselor but are not working as a “genetic counselor” until receipt of your license. By the definition of the law, you can not call yourself a “genetic counselor” or perform any duties within the scop of a genetic counselor as described by the licensure bill until you are licensed.
What do I need to renew my license?
Remain in good standing with the board, maintain ABGC certification (including staying up to date with CEUs), pay the renewal fee, and submit your application form required for renewal.
Who does not need a license?
Individuals who do not see patients, individuals who are in/active licensee in another state if consulting (sees < 10 patients per year in MD), students in training in GC training programs.
How does licensure work for newly graduated GCs?
New graduates should 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 and they are required to apply for the first available certification exam.
Please also see the section “What if I am applying for a license after I start a new position?” if you are applying for a supervised genetic counseling license.
Who is a qualified supervisor for new grads?
A licensed genetic counselor who has practiced for 3+ years OR a physician who has been licensed in the state for 5+ years.
Who is supervised genetic counseling license issued to?
Genetic counselors who have graduated from an accredited GC program, have board eligible status, AND who have applied for the first available certification exam.
Who can NOT receive a supervised genetic counseling license?
Individuals who have failed the ABGC exam 2+ times or supervised GCs 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.]
Genetic Counselors CANNOT independently order testing for patients with Medicare.
What is different about Medicare?
CMS does not recognize genetic counselors as providers, regardless of the licensing laws in individual states. If you are ordering testing for patients with Medicare, remember to include an ordering provider.
What if I receive an advisory letter?
If you disagree with the information in the advisory letter, you should mail a written response to the board of physicians. The board is not required to respond. However, these letters are placed in your file with the advisory letter. You should maintain your own documentation that you sent this letter.
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 their 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 is on the GC licensing board?
The Genetic Counseling Advisory Committee established under the Board of Physicians includes: 3 practicing genetic counselors, 3 licensed physicians, and 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. However, some government employees have been told by their departments that they should be licensed: please check with your employer.
What about performing 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.