Genetic Counselors Advisory Committee

General Questions

1. Can I be a genetic counselor in New Jersey without a license?

   No, genetic counselors cannot provide genetic counseling in the State of New Jersey without either a work permit or a license. See regulations or applications for more information.
   

2. What do I do if I graduated from an accredited program, but I haven't taken my exam yet? Am I able to practice while I wait to take the exam?

   In order to practice as a genetic counselor before taking the exam, you must apply and receive written authorization from the Genetic Counselor Advisory Committee that your work permit application has been approved. A work permit application must include: a) Proof from the American Board of Genetic Counseling or its successor that you are eligible to take the licensing examination; and b) A signed statement from the licensed genetic counselor or medical geneticist indicating that he or she will supervise you. Once your work permit letter is received you will be required to: a) indicate that you are a "permitted genetic counselor" whenever your identify yourself either in person or on a chart, report, or other document. b) Take the first examination for which you are eligible, and c) meet with your supervisor weekly.

3. Must I be a citizen of the United States to be eligible for licensure?

   No. New Jersey State law allows for all individuals, regardless of citizenship status, to obtain a professional or occupational license in New Jersey if all requirements for licensure are met. Individuals with undocumented status are eligible for licensure and a social security number is not required for licensure.
   

4. What is the scope of practice of a licensed genetic counselor?

   The following is within the scope of practice of a licensed genetic counselor:
   

   1. Obtaining and interpreting individual, family, medical, and developmental histories;
      
   2. Determining the mode of inheritance and risk of transmission of genetic conditions and of birth defects, including evaluating the risks from exposure to possible mutagens and teratogens;
      
   3. Discussing the inheritance features, natural history, means of diagnosis, and management of genetic conditions and birth defects;
      
   4. Identifying, coordinating, interpreting, and explaining the clinical implications of genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies and their results;
      
   5. Integrating genetic laboratory test results and other diagnostic studies with personal and family medical history to assess and communicate risk factors for genetic or medical conditions and diseases;
      
   6. Assessing psychosocial factors;
      
   7. Recognizing social, educational, and cultural issues;
      
   8. Evaluating the client's or family's responses to the condition or risk of recurrence and providing client‐centered counseling and anticipatory guidance; and
      
   9. Facilitating informed decision making about testing, management, and alternatives.
      
      
5. If I am licensed in another state, can I practice in New Jersey?

   No, there is no reciprocity for a Genetic Counselor's license.

6. I hold a Masters or Ph.D. from a genetic counseling program, but the title of my degree is not called Genetic Counseling; can I still apply for licensure?

   Yes, as long as your program is accredited by the American Board of Genetic Counseling or American Board of Medical Genetics or their successors.

7. How long does it take to become licensed?

   The sooner that the Administrative Office receives a completed application, the sooner one can be licensed. It is anticipated that during the initial licensing phase it may take approximately 8 weeks. It is also important that you make an appointment to be fingerprinted for the criminal history background check as soon as practical, as often waiting for these results delays the application process.

8. What happens if I am not eligible for licensure?

   If you do not meet the requirements of licensure, you are not eligible to be licensed as a Genetics Counselor and you must cease immediately from practicing or continuing to provide genetic counseling services. There is no grandfather clause in the Law that permits those that have been practicing to continue to do so absent licensure.

9. Are there CE requirements?

   Unless a waiver has been sought, each applicant for biennial license renewal shall be required to complete, during the preceding biennial period, 40 continuing education hours related to the practice of genetic counseling. At least 30 of the continuing education hours shall be in courses or programs designated as category one and at least one hour shall include medical ethics.

10. What are the record keeping requirements?

    Licensed genetic counselors shall make contemporaneous, permanent entries into client records, which shall accurately reflect the genetic counseling services rendered. Client records shall be maintained for a period of seven years from the date of the most recent entry. The client record shall contain, at a minimum:
    

    1. Intake record;
       
    2. The dates of each service;
       
    3. Reasons for visits;
       
    4. A summary of each session with an assessment and plan;
       
    5. The name and title of the licensed genetic counselor or permitted genetic counselor who provided services;
       
    6. The licensed genetic counselor's or permitted genetic counselor's initials for every entry to the records; and
       
    7. Any referral to another healthcare professional.
       1. Corrections and/or additions to existing records may be made to a client record, provided that each change is clearly identified as such, and such is dated and initialed by the licensed genetic counselor making the change.
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11. What are my responsibilities to release client records?

    In most instances, the client has a right to receive a copy of his or her medical records, not the original. Although most clients assume that the records belong to them, the Committee requires that the service provider maintain the original to ensure that the patient's medical history is available to any subsequent treating physician or health care provider. Copies may be given to the client, another doctor, an attorney, an insurance company or another family member if the client expressly authorizes it. If a client is deceased, the duly appointed executor or administrator of the estate may obtain copies also. Client records cannot be released to a spouse, family member (except in the case of a child), attorney or any other person unless the client gives his/her express consent to release them to that specific person.

12. How long must a genetic counselor keep copies of a client's medical records?

    A Genetic Counselor has to keep a client's medical records for seven years. After that, s/he can destroy them. There is no requirement in the law that requires the genetic counselor to notify a client prior to destroying the records. A counselor may wish to contact his/her malpractice carrier to determine if the carrier has a different requirement.

13. What are the requirements of Supervision?

    Applicants issued a "work permit" must be supervised. Regulation dictates that the supervisor shall co‐sign all consultation summaries prior to release and conduct face‐toface reviews with a holder for at least one hour each week.

14. How can my employer or public verify my license?

    License verification can be done online or download the iPhone app.

15. How can I obtain a verification of my license to another state?

    Mail your written request to:

    NJ Board of Medical Examiners Document Management Unit
    P.O. Box 183
    Trenton, NJ 08625

    Include a $25.00 certified check or money order payable to the "New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners." Include your full name, license number, with the name and address of the agency to which the request should be sent. (Please disregard any reference to any other amount on the BME website, as this would be for other professional licensees).

16. How does a genetic counselor obtain a duplicate of his/her license registration certificate?

    You can send in a request in writing to:

    Genetic Counseling Advisory Committee
    P.O. Box 183
    140 E. Front Street
    Trenton, NJ 08625

    In your letter, please include your license number and state that you are requesting a duplicate registration certificate. You also must send in a fee in the amount of $25.00 and your check/certified money order should be made payable to the "New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners."

17. How do I contact the Committee?

    The Genetic Counseling Advisory Committee can be reached by:

    Telephone: (609) 826‐7100
    Fax: (609) 826‐7117
    Email: BMEGCAC@dca.lps.state.nj.us
    Mailing Address: Genetic Counseling Advisory Committee, P.O. Box 183, Trenton, NJ 08625
    

18. How can I change my address?

    Please email bmegcac@dca.lps.state.nj.us. Include your license number, name, new address, old address, and if you are changing your public address of record, mailing address, or home address.

19. I recently got married and would like to change my name with the Committee and on my license certificate.

    Name changes must be reported to the Committee in writing. Please send a copy of the legal document to:
    

    There is no charge for a name change unless you are requesting a duplicate license (see FAQ #16).

    Genetic Counselor Advisory Committee
    P.O. Box 183
    140 E. Front Street
    Trenton, NJ 08625

20. License Active Dates

    Licenses will be active from June 30th to June 29th.