Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 5G - Genetic Counselors (Subtitle Effective January 1, 2022.)
Section 14-5G-01 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
    (b)    “Board” means the State Board of Physicians.
    (c)    “Certified genetic counselor” means an individual certified as a genetic counselor by a national certifying board.
    (d)    “Committee” means the Genetic Counselors Advisory Committee.
    (e)    “Genetic assessment” means the integration of genetic laboratory test results and other diagnostic studies with the medical histories of a patient and the patient’s family members to assess the risk for the patient or the patient’s family members of:
        (1)    A genetic or medical condition or disease; and
        (2)    The recurrence of a genetic or medical condition or disease.
    (f)    “License” means a license issued by the Board to practice genetic counseling.
    (g)    “Licensed genetic counselor” means an individual who is licensed under this subtitle to practice genetic counseling.
    (h)    “Licensee” means a licensed genetic counselor.
    (i)    “National accrediting council” means the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling, or its successor, that accredits education programs for genetic counselors.
    (j)    “National certifying board” means the American Board of Genetic Counseling, or its successor, that certifies genetic counselors.
    (k)    (1)    “Practice genetic counseling” means:
            (i)    Obtaining and evaluating the medical histories of a patient and the patient’s family members for purposes of a genetic assessment;
            (ii)    Discussing the features, natural history, means of diagnosis, genetic and environmental factors, and management of risk for genetic or medical conditions or diseases;
            (iii)    Identifying, ordering, and coordinating genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies, as appropriate, for purposes of a genetic assessment;
            (iv)    Using the medical histories obtained under item (i) of this paragraph and the results of genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies ordered under item (iii) of this paragraph for purposes of a genetic assessment;
            (v)    Explaining the clinical implications of genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies and the results of the tests and studies and communicating the risk factors for genetic or medical conditions or diseases identified by a genetic assessment;
            (vi)    Evaluating the responses of a patient and the patient’s family members to the results of a genetic assessment and providing counseling and anticipatory guidance for a genetic or medical condition or disease;
            (vii)    Identifying and using community resources that provide medical, educational, financial, and psychosocial support and advocacy for a genetic or medical condition or disease; or
            (viii)    Providing written documentation of medical, genetic, and counseling information for a patient, a patient’s family members, or appropriate health care professionals.
        (2)    “Practice genetic counseling” does not include diagnosing or treating an illness, a disease, or a condition.