TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
BOARD OF MEDICINE
Final Regulation
REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The Board of Medicine is claiming an exemption from the Administrative Process Act in accordance with the first enactment of Chapters 553 and 561 of the 2025 Acts of Assembly, which exempts the actions of the board relating to the adoption of regulations necessary to implement the provisions of the act; however, the department is required to provide an opportunity for public comment on any such regulations prior to their adoption.
Title of Regulation: 18VAC85-170. Regulations Governing the Practice of Genetic Counselors (amending 18VAC85-170-50, 18VAC85-170-60; adding 18VAC85-170-51).
Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2957.18 of the Code of Virginia.
Effective Date: December 3, 2025.
Agency Contact: Erin Barrett, Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, Department of Health Professions, Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233, telephone (804) 750-3912, fax (804) 915-0382, or email erin.barrett@dhp.virginia.gov.
Summary:
Pursuant to Chapters 553 and 561 of the 2025 Acts of Assembly, the amendments add a licensure by endorsement pathway for genetic counselors.
18VAC85-170-50. Application Initial licensure requirements.
An applicant for initial licensure shall submit the following on forms provided by the board:
1. A completed application and a fee as prescribed in 18VAC85-170-40.
2. Verification of a professional credential in genetic counseling as required in 18VAC85-170-60.
3. Verification of practice as required on the application form.
4. If licensed or certified in any other jurisdiction, documentation of any disciplinary action taken or pending in that jurisdiction.
18VAC85-170-51. Licensure by endorsement.
An applicant for licensure by endorsement shall submit the following:
1. Evidence of a current, active license in a United States jurisdiction or Canada that is in good standing;
2. A completed application and fee;
3. Evidence of a current, valid certificate issued by the ABGC or ABMG to practice genetic counseling; and
4. A current report from the National Practitioner Data Bank.
18VAC85-170-60. Licensure requirements.
A. An applicant for a an initial license to practice as a genetic counselor shall provide documentation of (i) a master's degree from a genetic counseling training program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Genetic Counseling and (ii) a current, valid certificate issued by the ABGC or ABMG to practice genetic counseling.
B. Pursuant to § 54.1-2957.19 D of the Code of Virginia, applicants for licensure who do not meet the requirements of subsection A of this section may be issued a license provided they (i) apply for licensure before December 31, 2018; (ii) comply with the board's regulations relating to the NSGC Code of Ethics; (iii) have at least 20 years of documented work experience practicing genetic counseling; (iv) submit two letters of recommendation, one from a genetic counselor and another from a physician; and (v) have completed, within the last five years, 25 hours of continuing education approved by the NSGC or the ABGC. For the purpose of this subsection, the board deems the provisions of Part IV (18VAC85-170-110 et seq.) of this chapter to be consistent with the NSGC Code of Ethics.
C. B. An applicant for a temporary license shall provide documentation of having been granted the active candidate status by the ABGC. Such license shall expire 12 months from issuance or upon failure of the ABGC certification examination, whichever comes first.
VA.R. Doc. No. R26-8404; Filed October 02, 2025