Alaska2026Passed Legislature
SB248
SB248: Licensing and Rules for Genetic Counselors in Alaska
Last scannedSep 21, 2026, 12:32 AM
In one sentence
This bill creates a new license requirement for genetic counselors, establishes an advisory council to guide the State Medical Board, and updates laws regarding their practice definitions, telehealth, liability protections, and insurance coverage.
What it does
- Creates a new chapter of law requiring people to have a license before they can work as or call themselves a genetic counselor in Alaska.
- Sets up rules allowing experienced counselors who worked for at least 10 years before the act's effective date to qualify with letters of recommendation instead of standard exams, provided they meet other requirements.
- Establishes the Genetic Counseling Advisory Council to assist the State Medical Board on issues related to this profession.
- Updates state laws to include licensed genetic counselors in definitions for health care providers and members of multidisciplinary teams.
- Addresses rules regarding telehealth services by licensed genetic counselors, medical malpractice liability, immunity from civil liability when providing free health care, and prohibits unfair discrimination against them under group health insurance.
Who it affects
- People who want to work as or advertise themselves as genetic counselors in Alaska.
- The State Medical Board, which will manage the new licensing process and advisory council duties.
- Group health insurance companies that cover services provided by licensed genetic counselors.
Limits and unknowns
- The provided text cuts off before listing all specific education requirements for experienced counselors applying under the alternative path.
- Specific details on telehealth rules, malpractice liability limits, and insurance discrimination protections are mentioned in the title but not detailed in the available excerpt.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Genetic Counselor
- A professional who is required to be licensed under this new law before practicing or using titles like 'genetic counselor' in Alaska.
- Licensure
- The official permission from the state that allows a person to legally practice genetic counseling and use specific professional titles.
- Advisory Council
- A new group established by this bill to give advice and recommendations to the State Medical Board about managing the field of genetic counseling.
Official record
Sources
Read the 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
- (S) Minutes (SL&C)Min
- (S) Heard & HeldText
- (S) LABOR & COMMERCE at 01:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)Text
- (S) REFERRED TO LABOR & COMMERCE1715
- (S) L&C, HSS1715
- (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS1715