News  Interim Policy on Continuing Education for Newly Licensed Genetic Counselors

INTERIM POLICY ON CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR NEWLY

LICENSED GENETIC COUNSELORS

Policy 2022-01

Approved November 7, 2022

The Board of Registration of Genetic Counselors reminds all licensed genetic counselors that pursuant to 270 Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) 3.06 (1), “Each fully licensed genetic counselor must renew his or her license to practice on or before January 31st of each odd-numbered year.  A fully licensed genetic counselor who fails to renew his or her license on or before the expiration date may not practice until he or she renews his or her license.  A fully licensed genetic counselor who continues to practice after the expiration date may be subject to disciplinary action by the Board.”  Further, 270 CMR 3.06 (3) “Continuing Education” requires the following:

(a)        Except as provided in 270 CMR 3.06(3)(b), each fully licensed genetic counselor shall complete a minimum of 50 contact hours of Board approved continuing education per license renewal period and shall submit proof thereof to the Board upon request.

(b)        A genetic counselor issued a full license between February 1st of an even-numbered year and January 31st of an odd numbered year shall complete a minimum of 25 contact hours of Board approved continuing education during the first renewal period.

As of November 7, 2022, the Board will not enforce the CE requirement for:

A genetic counselor who obtains a full license less than 12 months before license renewal on January 31 of each odd numbered year will not be required to complete any CEs for the first renewal cycle.  This policy will remain in effect until the Board formally updates its regulations.