Lawmakers gave first-round approval Feb. 15 to a bill that would provide a formal licensure process for genetic counselors.<\/p>\n
Under LB831, introduced by Omaha Senator Gwen Howard, a genetic counselor who has satisfied the training and certification requirements of the American Board of Genetic Counseling could apply for licensure.<\/p>\n
Howard said genetic counseling currently is unregulated in Nebraska. To qualify for certification under the bill, counselors must have a master\u2019s degree, engage in supervised training, sit for a national exam and participate in continuing education, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cGenetic counselors are asking the state of Nebraska to hold them to standards,\u201d Howard said.<\/p>\n
Omaha Sen. Bob Krist offered an amendment, adopted 29-0, which would prohibit a genetic counselor from being required to counsel or refer a patient with respect to abortion.<\/p>\n
Krist said the amendment was necessary to ensure that genetic counselors are not required to discuss options for terminating a pregnancy if their conscience prohibits them from doing so.<\/p>\n
LB831 advanced to select file on a 25-0 vote.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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