SB213 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: J.T. WaggonerSenator
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: SB 213 creates the Alabama Genetic Counselor Act and a state Board of Genetic Counseling to license and regulate genetic counselors, set qualifications and penalties, and fund the program.
What This Bill Does
It establishes the Alabama Board of Genetic Counseling to license genetic counselors and oversee practice, defines licensure requirements (age 21, accredited degree, exam, and certification), and allows temporary licenses under supervision. Licenses are valid up to two years and can be renewed; expired or inactive licenses can be restored with proof of fitness and possibly supervised clinical experience and an exam. The act prohibits practicing genetic counseling without a license, clarifies that genetic counselors do not practice medicine, and creates a dedicated Genetic Counseling Fund to support the board. It also authorizes rules, disciplinary actions, and fines for violations, sets exemptions for certain professionals, and requires sunset review and funding considerations.

Who It Affects
Prospective and current genetic counselors in Alabama who must meet licensure requirements, maintain active licenses, and potentially pursue restoration after inactivity.
Physicians and other licensed professionals who are exempt from licensure by the board and may practice within their established scope, as long as they do not present themselves as genetic counselors.
Patients and the general public who will access genetic counseling services from licensed professionals and rely on regulated practice and quality control.
Educational programs and employers of genetic counselors and interns, who must align training, supervision, and licensure processes with the new act.

Key Provisions
Creation of the Alabama Board of Genetic Counseling to license and regulate practitioners.
Licensure qualifications: age 21+, degree from an ABGC/ABMGG-accredited program (or equivalent), successful licensure exam, applicable certifications, and fee payment.
Temporary licenses available for up to one year under supervision, with specified supervision requirements.
License duration of up to two years, with renewal; mechanisms for restoration of expired or inactive licenses, including proof of active practice elsewhere and possible supervised experience or exam.
Practice restrictions: unlicensed individuals may not practice or call themselves genetic counselors; violators face Class A misdemeanor charges.
Board authority to set rules, issue/deny/revoke licenses, conduct hearings, establish fees and continuing education requirements, and impose fines up to $1,000 per violation.
Exemptions: physicians, ABMGG-certified medical geneticists (pre-2018), federal employees, interns in accredited programs under supervision, and certain consumer-facing services approved by FDA are exempt from licensure under specific conditions.
Genetic Counseling Fund established in state treasury to receive board receipts and fund the act’s implementation.
Sunset review requirement and date, with continuation or termination under the Alabama Sunset Law.
Clarification that the act does not authorize genetic counselors to practice medicine.

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