HB313 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Danny GarrettRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Alabama Genetic Counselor Act, Board of Genetic Counseling created to license genetic counselors, powers of board, qualifications for licensure, exemptions from licensure provided, funding, and penalties for violations
Summary: HB 313 creates the Alabama Genetic Counselor Act, establishing a state board to license genetic counselors and regulate genetic counseling.
What This Bill Does
The bill creates the Alabama Board of Genetic Counseling to license counselors and oversee the practice. It sets licensure requirements (education from an accredited program, passing a national exam, and board-approved criteria) and allows temporary licenses under supervision, with licenses lasting up to two years and eligible for renewal or restoration. It makes practicing without a license a Class A misdemeanor and clarifies that genetic counselors are not doctors; it also creates a dedicated Genetic Counseling Fund and places the board under sunset review, while noting exemptions for certain professionals and local-funds considerations.

Who It Affects
Genetic counselors and students pursuing licensure in Alabama: must meet education, exam, and fee requirements, may obtain a temporary license under supervision, and must renew or restore licenses to practice.
Physicians and other licensed professionals (exempt from licensure under this act) and the general public: exemptions for certain professionals; genetic counselors are not physicians, but licensed counselors will serve the public under board rules.

Key Provisions
Establishes the Alabama Board of Genetic Counseling to license and regulate genetic counselors and administer the act.
Sets licensure requirements: must be 21+, have an accredited master’s or doctoral degree in genetic counseling, pass an approved exam, pay fees, and meet continuing education and board-rule requirements.
Allows temporary licenses for applicants who have applied for licensure and are admitted to the exam, valid up to 1 year and supervised by a qualified supervisor.
Licenses are valid for up to two years, with renewal, and provisions for restoration after expiration or inactive status; includes a process for supervised or evaluated return to active practice.
Prohibits practicing genetic counseling without a license and makes unlicensed practice a Class A misdemeanor; restricts use of title and related terms.
Exempts certain professionals (e.g., physicians and some ABMGG-certified individuals) from licensure; explicitly states genetic counselors are not doctors and cannot practice medicine.
Creates the Genetic Counseling Fund in the State Treasury to finance the board’s activities; funds used only for this act and governed by state budgeting rules.
Authorizes the board to set rules, issue/deny licenses, hear complaints, impose fines up to $1,000 per violation, and hire staff as funds allow.
Subjects the board to the Alabama Sunset Law with a termination date of October 1, 2021 and subsequent four-year reviews.
Includes local-fund expenditure language under Amendment 621 exceptions, indicating the bill does not require local-government approvals to take effect.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Boards and Commissions