Alaska2026Passed Legislature
HB293
Genetic Counselor Licensing and Advisory Council Act
Last scannedSep 21, 2026, 12:32 AM
In one sentence
This bill creates a new license for genetic counselors in Alaska, establishes an advisory council to guide the State Medical Board, allows telehealth services, updates malpractice rules, provides immunity for free care, and prohibits unfair insurance discrimination.
What it does
- Creates a new chapter of law requiring people to have a license to work as genetic counselors.
- Sets requirements that applicants must meet, including completing an accredited program and passing a national exam.
- Establishes the Genetic Counseling Advisory Council to help guide the State Medical Board on this profession.
- Allows licensed genetic counselors to provide services through telehealth technology.
- Updates laws regarding medical malpractice liability for licensed genetic counselors.
- Provides immunity from civil liability for licensed genetic counselors who provide free health care services.
- Prohibits unfair discrimination against genetic counselors under group health insurance plans.
Who it affects
- People who want to work as genetic counselors in Alaska
- The State Medical Board of Alaska
- Group health insurance companies operating in the state
Limits and unknowns
- The specific continuing education requirements needed to renew a license are not listed in this text; they will be set by board regulations.
- The exact fees required to apply for or renew a license are not listed and must be paid as determined by the board.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Genetic Counselor
- A person licensed under this new law to practice genetic counseling.
- Licensure by Credentials
- A way for someone already holding a valid license in another state or territory to get an Alaska license without taking the exam again, if they meet other rules.
- Temporary License
- A short-term permit lasting up to one year that allows an applicant who has finished their program and taken (or is waiting for results of) the exam to work under supervision.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
GENETIC COUNS: LICENSING; ADVISORY CNCL. An Act relating to the practice of genetic counseling; relating to the licensure of genetic counselors; establishing the Genetic Counseling Advisory Council; relating to the duties of the State Medical Board; relating to telehealth by licensed genetic counselors; relating to medical malpractice liability of licensed genetic counselors; relating to immunity from civil liability for a licensed genetic counselor providing free health care services; and prohibiting unfair discrimination under group health insurance against genetic counselors.
Official activity
Bill history
- (H) REFERRED TO FINANCE1739
- (H) FIN REPLACES HSS REFERRAL1739
- (H) FN1: (CED)1709
- (H) NR: COULOMBE, CARRICK, D.NELSON1709
- (H) DNP: SADDLER1709
- (H) DP: FRIER, HALL, FIELDS1709
- (H) L&C RPT CS(L&C) 3DP 1DNP 3NR1709
- (H) Moved CSHB 293(L&C) Out of CommitteeText
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