2016 Massachusetts General Laws
PART I ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT
TITLE XVI PUBLIC HEALTH
Chapter 112 REGISTRATION OF CERTAIN PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
Section 252 Definitions applicable to Secs. 252 to 258

  Section 252. As used in sections 252 to 258, inclusive, the following words, shall unless the context requires otherwise, have the following meanings:--

  "ABGC'', the American Board of Genetic Counseling, a national agency for certification and recertification of genetic counselors or its successor agency.

  "ABMG'', American Board of Medical Genetics, a national agency for certification and recertification of genetic counselors, MD geneticists and PhD geneticists or its successor agency.

  "Board'', the board of registration of genetic counselors.

  "General supervision'', a supervisor, whether a licensed genetic counselor or MD, who has the overall responsibility to assess the work of the supervisee, whether a provisional or fully-licensed genetic counselor, including regular meetings and chart review; provided, however, that an annual supervision contract signed by the supervisor and supervisee shall be on file with both parties.

  "Licensed genetic counselor'', a person licensed under section 105 of chapter 13 to engage in the practice of genetic counseling.

  "Practice of genetic counseling'', a communication process, conducted by 1 or more appropriately trained individuals, that may include:

  (a) estimating the likelihood of occurrence or recurrence of a birth defect or of any potentially inherited or genetically influenced condition. This assessment may involve:

  (1) obtaining and analyzing a complete health history of the person and family;

  (2) reviewing pertinent medical records;

  (3) evaluating the risks from exposure to possible mutagens or teratogens; and

  (4) recommending genetic testing or other evaluations to diagnose a condition or determine the carrier status of 1 or more family members;

  (b) helping the individual, family, health care provider or public to:

  (1) appreciate the medical, psychological and social implications of a disorder, including its features, variability, usual course and management options;

  (2) learn how genetic factors contribute to the disorder and affect the chance for recurrence of the condition in other family members;

  (3) understand available options for coping with, preventing or reducing the chance of occurrence or recurrence of a condition;

  (4) select the most appropriate, accurate and cost-effective methods of diagnosis; and

  (5) understand genetic or prenatal tests, coordinate testing for inherited disorders, and interpret complex genetic test results; and

  (c) facilitating an individual's or family's:

  (1) exploration of the perception of risk and burden associated with the disorder;

  (2) decision-making regarding testing or medical interventions consistent with their beliefs, goals, needs, resources, culture and ethical or moral views; and

  (3) adjustment and adaptation to the condition or their genetic risk by addressing needs for psychological, social and medical support.

[ Definition of "Provisional licensed genetic counselor'' effective until March 31, 2015. For text effective March 31, 2015, see below.]

  "Provisional licensed genetic counselor'', a person with a provisional license issued under section 239.

[ Definition of "Provisional licensed genetic counselor'' as amended by 2015, 10, Sec. 28 effective March 31, 2015. For text effective until March 31, 2015, see above.]

  "Provisional licensed genetic counselor'', a person with a provisional license issued under section 255.