SECTION 252. Definitions applicable to Secs. 252 to 258

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.

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