Alabama Administrative Code Chapter 405-X-1 — Licensure

405 Board of Genetic Counseling

Ala. Admin. Code r. 405-X-1-.01 Qualifications For Licensure

(1) An individual shall be qualified for licensure as a genetic counselor and the board may issue a license if that individual:

(a) Is at least 21 years of age;

(b) Has submitted a completed licensure application form to the board;

(c) Has not engaged in conduct or activities which would constitute grounds for discipline under the Alabama Genetic Counselor Act or the rules created pursuant to the Act;

(d) Has successfully completed:

1. A master's degree in genetic counseling from an ACGC or ABMGG accredited training program or an equivalent program approved by the ACGC or the ABMGG; or

2. A doctoral degree and an ABMGG accredited medical genetics training program or an equivalent program approved by the ABMGG;

(e) Has successfully passed the American Board of Genetic Counseling Certification Examination, or its equivalent;

(f) Has paid the fees established by the board;

(g) Has met the requirements for certification set forth by the ABGC or its successor or the ABMGG or its successor, which are hereby incorporated by reference; and

(h) Has met the requirements for licensure established by the board.

History

• Author: Alabama Board of Genetic Counseling
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §34-13A-3, et seq.
• New Rule: Published December 31, 2020; effective February 14, 2021.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 405-X-1-.02 Qualifications For Temporary Licensure

(1) The board may issue a temporary license to an individual if that individual:

(a) Has submitted a completed temporary licensure application to the board;

(b) Has submitted the fees required for temporary licensure;

(c) Has achieved active candidate status, or its equivalent, through the American Board of Genetic Counseling, or its equivalent;

(d) Has met all of the requirements for licensure in accordance with 405-X-1-.01 except for the examination requirement; and

(e) Has met any other condition established by rule.

(2) The holder of a temporary license shall practice only under the supervision of a qualified supervisor.

(3) A temporary license shall expire at the earlier of:

(a) 30 days after failure to pass the American Board of Genetic Counseling Certification Examination;

(b) One year from the date the board issues the temporary license;

(c) The issuance of a regular license to the temporary license holder; or

(d) The denial of a regular license to the temporary license holder.

(e) The holder of a temporary license may not renew the temporary license but may reapply for an additional temporary license if the he or she otherwise satisfies the qualification for temporary licensure.

History

• Author: Alabama Board of Genetic Counseling
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §34-13A-3, et seq.
• New Rule: Published December 31, 2020; effective February 14, 2021.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 405-X-1-.03 Renewal Of License

(1) Licensure Periods

(a) A license shall normally be valid for two years, expiring on October 1.

(b) The initial licensure period may be abbreviated in order to have the expiration at the established renewal date.

(2) The renewal of a license shall be accomplished prior to expiration of the license.

(a) Failure to renew prior to the expiration date of the current license will result in an additional late fee.

(b) The board shall not renew a license if that license has been expired for more than 60 days.

(c) A genetic counselor shall not engage in activities that require a genetic counseling license if his or her license has expired.

(3) To be eligible for renewal, the applicant shall:

(a) Hold a valid, active Alabama license;

(b) Submit required fee(s); and

(c) Meet continuing education requirements.

History

• Author: Alabama Board of Genetic Counseling
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §34-13A-3, et seq.
• New Rule: Published December 31, 2020; effective February 14, 2021. Amended: Published November 30, 2023; effective January 14, 2024.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 405-X-1-.04 Placing License On Inactive Status

(1) A licensee may elect to place his or her license on inactive status for up to, but not to exceed five (5) years, by submitting the required completed form and fees to the board.

(2) An inactive licensee may not practice genetic counseling in this state and shall be excused from payment of renewal fees until he or she restores the license to active status.

History

• Author: Alabama Board of Genetic Counseling
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §34-13A-3, et seq.
• New Rule: Published December 31, 2020; effective February 14, 2021.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 405-X-1-.05 Restoration Of Expired Or Inactive License

An individual who has permitted his or her license to expire or who has had his or her license on inactive status may have his or her license restored by:

(a) Submitting a completed restoration application to the board;

(b) Filing proof acceptable to the board of his or her fitness to have his or her license restored, including, but not limited to, sworn evidence certifying to active practice in another jurisdiction satisfactory to the board;

(c) Paying the required restoration and license fee(s); and

(d) If the individual has not maintained an active practice in another jurisdiction satisfactory to the board, the board shall determine, by its evaluation program (defined as maintaining certification through the American Board of Genetic Counseling or successful completion of the American Board of Genetic Counseling certification examination), such individual's fitness to resume active status and may require the individual to complete a period of evaluated clinical experience and successful completion of an examination.

History

• Author: Alabama Board of Genetic Counseling
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §34-13A-3, et seq.
• New Rule: Published December 31, 2020; effective February 14, 2021.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 405-X-1-.06 Change Of Name Or Contact Information

(1) An applicant or licensee shall notify the Board of any requested name change. Appropriate legal documents shall be submitted prior to changing the name of the licensee.

(2) An applicant or licensee shall notify the Board office of any change in the licensee's or applicant’s address or contact information. The address of record is the address provided by the applicant or licensee.

History

• Author: Alabama Board of Genetic Counseling
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §34-13A-3, et seq.
• New Rule: Published December 31, 2020; effective February 14, 2021.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 405-X-1-.07 Schedule Of Fees

(1) License Application Fee: $100

(2) License Fee: $300

(3) Temporary License Application Fee: $100

(4) Temporary License Fee: $300

(5) Late Fee for Licensure Renewal: $100

(6) Restoration Application Fee: $250

(7) License Renewal Fee: $300

(8) Inactive License Application Fee $150

(9) Verification of License Fee $ 25

Note, fees for currently practicing genetic counselors for full licenses only will be offered at a discounted rate of one-half (50%) of the full cost through 10/1/2021.

History

• Author: Alabama Board of Genetic Counseling
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §34-13A-3, et seq.
• New Rule: Published December 31, 2020; effective February 14, 2021.