Section 252. 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.
‹ Prev All Massachusetts sections Next ›
Lexace provides legal information, not legal advice, and no attorney–client relationship is created. Statute text is provided for general information and may not reflect the most recent amendments; verify against the official state code.