{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/54.1-2957.19.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/54.1-2957.19.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/54.1-2957.19.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/54.1-2957.19.html"}],"law_id":368466,"edition_id":2,"section_id":368466,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.19","catch_line":"Genetic counseling; regulation of the practice; license required; licensure; temporary license","history":"2014, cc. 10, 266; 2017, c. 422.","full_text":"A\n\nThe Board shall adopt regulations governing the practice of genetic counseling, upon consultation with the Advisory Board on Genetic Counseling. The regulations shall (i) set forth the requirements for licensure to practice genetic counseling, (ii) provide for appropriate application and renewal fees, (iii) include requirements for licensure renewal and continuing education, (iv) be consistent with the American Board of Genetic Counseling’s current job description for the profession and the standards of practice of the National Society of Genetic Counselors, and (v) allow for independent practice.\n\nB\n\nIt shall be unlawful for a person to practice or hold himself out as practicing genetic counseling in the Commonwealth without a valid, unrevoked license issued by the Board. No unlicensed person may use in connection with his name or place of business the title “genetic counselor,” “licensed genetic counselor,” “gene counselor,” “genetic consultant,” or “genetic associate” or any words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying a person holds a genetic counseling license.\n\nC\n\nAn applicant for licensure as a genetic counselor shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant (i) has earned a master’s degree from a genetic counseling training program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Genetic Counseling and (ii) holds a current, valid certificate issued by the American Board of Genetic Counseling or American Board of Medical Genetics to practice genetic counseling.\n\nD\n\nThe Board shall waive the requirements of a master’s degree and American Board of Genetic Counseling or American Board of Medical Genetics certification for license applicants who (i) apply for licensure before December 31, 2018, or within 90 days of the effective date of the regulations promulgated by the Board pursuant to subsection A, whichever is later; (ii) comply with the Board’s regulations relating to the National Society of Genetic Counselors Code of Ethics; (iii) have at least 20 years of documented work experience practicing genetic counseling; (iv) submit two letters of recommendation, one from a genetic counselor and another from a physician; and (v) have completed, within the last five years, 25 hours of continuing education approved by the National Society of Genetic Counselors or the American Board of Genetic Counseling.\n\nE\n\nThe Board may grant a temporary license to an applicant who has been granted Active Candidate Status by the American Board of Genetic Counseling and has paid the temporary license fee. Temporary licenses shall be valid for a period of up to one year. An applicant shall not be eligible for temporary license renewal upon expiration of Active Candidate Status as defined by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. A person practicing genetic counseling under a temporary license shall be supervised by a licensed genetic counselor or physician.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1372598,"text":"The Board shall adopt regulations governing the practice of genetic counseling, upon consultation with the Advisory Board on Genetic Counseling. The regulations shall (i) set forth the requirements for licensure to practice genetic counseling, (ii) provide for appropriate application and renewal fees, (iii) include requirements for licensure renewal and continuing education, (iv) be consistent with the American Board of Genetic Counseling’s current job description for the profession and the standards of practice of the National Society of Genetic Counselors, and (v) allow for independent practice.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":1372599,"text":"It shall be unlawful for a person to practice or hold himself out as practicing genetic counseling in the Commonwealth without a valid, unrevoked license issued by the Board. No unlicensed person may use in connection with his name or place of business the title “genetic counselor,” “licensed genetic counselor,” “gene counselor,” “genetic consultant,” or “genetic associate” or any words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying a person holds a genetic counseling license.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":1372600,"text":"An applicant for licensure as a genetic counselor shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant (i) has earned a master’s degree from a genetic counseling training program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Genetic Counseling and (ii) holds a current, valid certificate issued by the American Board of Genetic Counseling or American Board of Medical Genetics to practice genetic counseling.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":1372601,"text":"The Board shall waive the requirements of a master’s degree and American Board of Genetic Counseling or American Board of Medical Genetics certification for license applicants who (i) apply for licensure before December 31, 2018, or within 90 days of the effective date of the regulations promulgated by the Board pursuant to subsection A, whichever is later; (ii) comply with the Board’s regulations relating to the National Society of Genetic Counselors Code of Ethics; (iii) have at least 20 years of documented work experience practicing genetic counseling; (iv) submit two letters of recommendation, one from a genetic counselor and another from a physician; and (v) have completed, within the last five years, 25 hours of continuing education approved by the National Society of Genetic Counselors or the American Board of Genetic Counseling.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":1372602,"text":"The Board may grant a temporary license to an applicant who has been granted Active Candidate Status by the American Board of Genetic Counseling and has paid the temporary license fee. Temporary licenses shall be valid for a period of up to one year. An applicant shall not be eligible for temporary license renewal upon expiration of Active Candidate Status as defined by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. A person practicing genetic counseling under a temporary license shall be supervised by a licensed genetic counselor or physician.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D"}},"ancestry":[{"id":52507,"edition_id":2,"name":"Licensure and Certification of Other Practitioners of the Healing Arts","identifier":"4","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":4,"parent_id":52503,"metadata":{"child_laws":62,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:59:55","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:35:06","permalink":{"id":1469193,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52507,"identifier":"4","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4","url":"\/54.1\/III\/29\/4\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":52503,"edition_id":2,"name":"Medicine and Other Healing Arts","identifier":"29","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":10,"parent_id":52479,"metadata":{"child_laws":183,"child_structures":10},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:59:48","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:35:05","permalink":{"id":1468935,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52503,"identifier":"29","token":"54.1\/III\/29","url":"\/54.1\/III\/29\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":52479,"edition_id":2,"name":"Professions and Occupations Regulated by Boards Within the Department of Health Professions","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":3,"parent_id":52436,"metadata":{"child_laws":738,"child_structures":83},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:59:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:35:00","permalink":{"id":1468107,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52479,"identifier":"III","token":"54.1\/III","url":"\/54.1\/III\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":52436,"edition_id":2,"name":"Professions and Occupations","identifier":"54.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":118,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":1282,"child_structures":163},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:58:52","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:34:51","permalink":{"id":1466315,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52436,"identifier":"54.1","token":"54.1","url":"\/54.1\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":368416,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2942","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-2942\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2942","metadata":false},{"id":368417,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2949","catch_line":"License required","url":"\/54.1-2949\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2949","metadata":false},{"id":368419,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2950","catch_line":"Requisite training and educational achievements of assistants","url":"\/54.1-2950\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2950","metadata":false},{"id":368418,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2950.1","catch_line":"Advisory Board on Physician Assistants; membership; qualifications","url":"\/54.1-2950.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2950.1","metadata":false},{"id":368424,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2951","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-2951\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2951","metadata":false},{"id":368420,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2951.1","catch_line":"Requirements for licensure and practice as a physician assistant; licensure by endorsement","url":"\/54.1-2951.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2951.1","metadata":false},{"id":368421,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2951.2","catch_line":"Issuance of a license","url":"\/54.1-2951.2\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2951.2","metadata":false},{"id":368422,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2951.3","catch_line":"Restricted volunteer license for certain physician assistants","url":"\/54.1-2951.3\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2951.3","metadata":false},{"id":368423,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2951.4","catch_line":"Exception to physician assistant license requirement; physician assistant student","url":"\/54.1-2951.4\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2951.4","metadata":false},{"id":368427,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2952","catch_line":"Role of patient care team physician or patient care team podiatrist on patient care teams; services that may be performed by physician assistants; responsibility of licensee; employment of physician assistants","url":"\/54.1-2952\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2952","metadata":false},{"id":368425,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2952.1","catch_line":"Prescription of certain controlled substances and devices by licensed physician assistants","url":"\/54.1-2952.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2952.1","metadata":false},{"id":368426,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2952.2","catch_line":"When physician assistant signature accepted","url":"\/54.1-2952.2\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2952.2","metadata":false},{"id":368429,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2953","catch_line":"Renewal, revocation, suspension, and refusal","url":"\/54.1-2953\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2953","metadata":false},{"id":368428,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2953.1","catch_line":"PA Licensure Compact","url":"\/54.1-2953.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2953.1","metadata":false},{"id":368431,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2954","catch_line":"Respiratory therapist; definition","url":"\/54.1-2954\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2954","metadata":false},{"id":368430,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2954.1","catch_line":"Powers of Board concerning respiratory care","url":"\/54.1-2954.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2954.1","metadata":false},{"id":368432,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2955","catch_line":"Restriction of titles","url":"\/54.1-2955\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2955","metadata":false},{"id":368450,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2956","catch_line":"Advisory Board on Respiratory Care; appointment; terms; duties; etc","url":"\/54.1-2956\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2956","metadata":false},{"id":368433,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2956.01","catch_line":"Exceptions to respiratory therapist's licensure","url":"\/54.1-2956.01\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2956.01","metadata":false},{"id":368434,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2956.1","catch_line":"Powers of Board concerning occupational therapy","url":"\/54.1-2956.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2956.1","metadata":false},{"id":368435,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2956.10","catch_line":"Requisite training and educational achievements of acupuncturists","url":"\/54.1-2956.10\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2956.10","metadata":false},{"id":368436,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2956.11","catch_line":"Advisory Board on Acupuncture; composition; appointment","url":"\/54.1-2956.11\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2956.11","metadata":false},{"id":368437,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2956.12","catch_line":"Registered surgical technologist; use of title; registration","url":"\/54.1-2956.12\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2956.12","metadata":false},{"id":368438,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2956.13","catch_line":"Licensure of surgical assistant; practice of surgical assisting; use of title","url":"\/54.1-2956.13\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2956.13","metadata":false},{"id":368439,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2956.14","catch_line":"Advisory Board on Surgical Assisting; appointments; terms; duties","url":"\/54.1-2956.14\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2956.14","metadata":false},{"id":368440,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2956.2","catch_line":"Advisory Board of Occupational Therapy","url":"\/54.1-2956.2\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2956.2","metadata":false},{"id":368441,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2956.3","catch_line":"Advisory Board of Occupational Therapy; composition; appointment","url":"\/54.1-2956.3\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2956.3","metadata":false},{"id":368442,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2956.4","catch_line":"Advisory Board of Occupational Therapy; powers","url":"\/54.1-2956.4\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2956.4","metadata":false},{"id":368443,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2956.5","catch_line":"Unlawful to practice occupational therapy without license","url":"\/54.1-2956.5\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2956.5","metadata":false},{"id":368444,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2956.6","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-2956.6\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2956.6","metadata":false},{"id":368445,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2956.7:1","catch_line":"Occupational Therapy Interjurisdictional Licensure Compact","url":"\/54.1-2956.7_1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2956.7_1","metadata":false},{"id":368446,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2956.8","catch_line":"Advisory Board on Radiological Technology; 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certified nurse midwives; independent practice of certified nurse midwives","url":"\/54.1-2957\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957","metadata":false},{"id":368451,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.001","catch_line":"Restricted volunteer license for advanced practice registered nurses","url":"\/54.1-2957.001\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.001","metadata":false},{"id":368452,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.01","catch_line":"Prescription of certain controlled substances and devices by licensed advanced practice registered nurses","url":"\/54.1-2957.01\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.01","metadata":false},{"id":368453,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.02","catch_line":"When advanced practice registered nurse signature accepted","url":"\/54.1-2957.02\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.02","metadata":false},{"id":368454,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.03","catch_line":"Certified nurse midwives; required disclosures; liability","url":"\/54.1-2957.03\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.03","metadata":false},{"id":368455,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.04","catch_line":"Licensure as a licensed certified midwife; practice as a licensed certified midwife; independent practice as a licensed certified midwife; use of title; required disclosures","url":"\/54.1-2957.04\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.04","metadata":false},{"id":368456,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-2957.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.1","metadata":false},{"id":368457,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.10","catch_line":"Advisory Board on Midwifery established; membership; duties; terms","url":"\/54.1-2957.10\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.10","metadata":false},{"id":368458,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.11","catch_line":"Requirements for disclosure","url":"\/54.1-2957.11\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.11","metadata":false},{"id":368459,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.12","catch_line":"Immunity","url":"\/54.1-2957.12\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.12","metadata":false},{"id":368460,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.13","catch_line":"Exceptions","url":"\/54.1-2957.13\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.13","metadata":false},{"id":368461,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.14","catch_line":"Advisory Board on Polysomnographic Technology; 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requisite training and educational requirements; powers of the Board concerning athletic training","url":"\/54.1-2957.4\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.4","metadata":false},{"id":368472,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.5","catch_line":"Advisory Board on Athletic Training established; duties; composition; appointment; terms","url":"\/54.1-2957.5\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.5","metadata":false},{"id":368473,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.6","catch_line":"Exceptions to athletic trainer licensure","url":"\/54.1-2957.6\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.6","metadata":false},{"id":368474,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.7","catch_line":"Licensed midwife and practice of midwifery; definitions","url":"\/54.1-2957.7\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.7","metadata":false},{"id":368475,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.8","catch_line":"Licensure of midwives; requisite training and educational requirements; fees","url":"\/54.1-2957.8\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.8","metadata":false},{"id":368476,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.9","catch_line":"Regulation of the practice of midwifery","url":"\/54.1-2957.9\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.9","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":368465,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.18","catch_line":"Advisory Board on Behavior Analysis","url":"\/54.1-2957.18\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.18","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":368467,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.20","catch_line":"Exemptions","url":"\/54.1-2957.20\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.20","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/54.1-2957.19\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2014. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 10<\/a> and 266<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 1 time. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. That modification is as follows: in 2017, chapter 422<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":1469399,"object_type":"law","relational_id":368466,"identifier":"54.1-2957.19","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.19","url":"\/54.1-2957.19\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-2957.19\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.19","dublin_core":{"Title":"Genetic counseling; regulation of the practice; license required; licensure; temporary license","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-2957.19","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The Board<\/span> shall adopt regulations governing the practice of genetic counseling<\/span>, upon consultation<\/span> with the Advisory Board<\/span> on Genetic Counseling. The regulations shall (i) set forth the requirements for licensure to practice genetic counseling, (ii) provide for appropriate application and renewal fees, (iii) include requirements for licensure renewal and continuing education, (iv) be consistent with the American Board<\/span> of Genetic Counseling’s current job description for the profession and the standards of practice of the National Society of Genetic Counselors<\/span>, and (v) allow for independent practice. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> It shall be unlawful for a person to practice or hold himself out as practicing genetic counseling in the Commonwealth without a valid, unrevoked license issued by the Board<\/span>. No unlicensed person may use in connection with his name or place of business the title “genetic counselor<\/span>,” “licensed genetic counselor<\/span>,” “gene counselor,” “genetic consultant,” or “genetic associate” or any words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying a person holds a genetic counseling license. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> An applicant for licensure as a genetic counselor<\/span> shall submit evidence<\/span> satisfactory to the Board<\/span> that the applicant (i) has earned a master’s degree from a genetic counseling training program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Genetic Counseling and (ii) holds a current, valid certificate issued by the American Board<\/span> of Genetic Counseling or American Board<\/span> of Medical Genetics to practice genetic counseling. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The Board<\/span> shall waive<\/span> the requirements of a master’s degree and American Board<\/span> of Genetic Counseling or American Board<\/span> of Medical Genetics certification for license applicants who (i) apply for licensure before December 31, 2018, or within 90 days of the effective date of the regulations promulgated by the Board<\/span> pursuant to subsection A, whichever is later; (ii) comply with the Board<\/span>’s regulations relating to the National Society of Genetic Counselors<\/span> Code of Ethics; (iii) have at least 20 years of documented work experience practicing genetic counseling; (iv) submit two letters of recommendation, one from a genetic counselor<\/span> and another from a physician; and (v) have completed, within the last five years, 25 hours of continuing education approved by the National Society of Genetic Counselors<\/span> or the American Board<\/span> of Genetic Counseling. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> The Board<\/span> may grant a temporary license to an applicant who has been granted Active Candidate Status by the American Board<\/span> of Genetic Counseling and has paid the temporary license fee. Temporary licenses shall be valid for a period of up to one year. An applicant shall not be eligible for temporary license renewal upon expiration of Active Candidate Status as defined by the American Board<\/span> of Genetic Counseling. A person practicing genetic counseling under a temporary license shall be supervised by a licensed genetic counselor<\/span> or physician. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nGENETIC COUNSELING; REGULATION OF THE PRACTICE; LICENSE REQUIRED; LICENSURE;\nTEMPORARY LICENSE (\u00a7 54.1-2957.19)\n\nA. The Board shall adopt regulations governing the practice of genetic\ncounseling, upon consultation with the Advisory Board on Genetic Counseling. The\nregulations shall (i) set forth the requirements for licensure to practice\ngenetic counseling, (ii) provide for appropriate application and renewal fees,\n(iii) include requirements for licensure renewal and continuing education, (iv)\nbe consistent with the American Board of Genetic Counseling’s current job\ndescription for the profession and the standards of practice of the National\nSociety of Genetic Counselors, and (v) allow for independent practice.\n\nB. It shall be unlawful for a person to practice or hold himself out as\npracticing genetic counseling in the Commonwealth without a valid, unrevoked\nlicense issued by the Board. No unlicensed person may use in connection with his\nname or place of business the title “genetic counselor,”\n“licensed genetic counselor,” “gene counselor,”\n“genetic consultant,” or “genetic associate” or any\nwords, letters, abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying a person holds\na genetic counseling license.\n\nC. An applicant for licensure as a genetic counselor shall submit evidence\nsatisfactory to the Board that the applicant (i) has earned a master’s\ndegree from a genetic counseling training program that is accredited by the\nAccreditation Council of Genetic Counseling and (ii) holds a current, valid\ncertificate issued by the American Board of Genetic Counseling or American Board\nof Medical Genetics to practice genetic counseling.\n\nD. The Board shall waive the requirements of a master’s degree and\nAmerican Board of Genetic Counseling or American Board of Medical Genetics\ncertification for license applicants who (i) apply for licensure before December\n31, 2018, or within 90 days of the effective date of the regulations promulgated\nby the Board pursuant to subsection A, whichever is later; (ii) comply with the\nBoard’s regulations relating to the National Society of Genetic Counselors\nCode of Ethics; (iii) have at least 20 years of documented work experience\npracticing genetic counseling; (iv) submit two letters of recommendation, one\nfrom a genetic counselor and another from a physician; and (v) have completed,\nwithin the last five years, 25 hours of continuing education approved by the\nNational Society of Genetic Counselors or the American Board of Genetic\nCounseling.\n\nE. The Board may grant a temporary license to an applicant who has been granted\nActive Candidate Status by the American Board of Genetic Counseling and has paid\nthe temporary license fee. Temporary licenses shall be valid for a period of up\nto one year. An applicant shall not be eligible for temporary license renewal\nupon expiration of Active Candidate Status as defined by the American Board of\nGenetic Counseling. A person practicing genetic counseling under a temporary\nlicense shall be supervised by a licensed genetic counselor or physician.\n\nHISTORY: 2014, cc. 10, 266; 2017, c. 422.","edition":{"id":2,"name":"2026","slug":"2026","date_created":"2026-07-16 18:40:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 15:14:36","current":1,"order_by":2,"last_import":"2026-08-02 12:37:30"}}