37-49-103. Scope of practice. (1) The practice of genetic counseling involves:

(a)obtaining and evaluating individual, family, and medical histories to determine genetic risk for genetic or medical conditions and diseases in a patient, the patient’s offspring, and other family members;

(b)discussing the features, natural history, means of diagnosis, genetic and environmental factors, and management of risk for genetic and medical conditions and diseases;

(c)identifying, ordering, and coordinating genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies as appropriate for genetic assessment;

(d)integrating genetic laboratory test results and other diagnostic studies with personal and family medical history to assess and communicate risk factors for genetic and medical conditions and diseases;

(e)explaining the clinical implications of genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies and their results;

(f)evaluating the client’s or family’s responses to the genetic or medical condition or the risk of recurrence of the condition and providing client-centered counseling and anticipatory guidance;

(g)identifying and using community resources that provide medical, educational, financial, and psychosocial support and advocacy; and

(h)providing written documentation of medical, genetic, and counseling information for families and health care professionals.

(2)Nothing in this chapter authorizes a genetic counselor to practice medicine, including treatment or medical management of a patient. If, in the course of providing genetic counseling to a client, a genetic counselor finds any indication of a disease or condition that requires medical assessment or treatment, the genetic counselor shall refer the client to a provider licensed to practice medicine.