37-49-103 . Scope of practice. (1) The practice of genetic counseling involves: (a) obtaining and evaluating individual, family, and medical histories to determine genetic risk for genetic or medical conditions and diseases in a patient, the patient's offspring, and other family members; (b) discussing the features, natural history, means of diagnosis, genetic and environmental factors, and management of risk for genetic and medical conditions and diseases; (c) identifying, ordering, and coordinating genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies as appropriate for genetic assessment; (d) integrating genetic laboratory test results and other diagnostic studies with personal and family medical history to assess and communicate risk factors for genetic and medical conditions and diseases; (e) explaining the clinical implications of genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies and their results; (f) evaluating the client's or family's responses to the genetic or medical condition or the risk of recurrence of the condition and providing client-centered counseling and anticipatory guidance; (g) identifying and using community resources that provide medical, educational, financial, and psychosocial support and advocacy; and (h) providing written documentation of medical, genetic, and counseling information for families and health care professionals. (2) Nothing in this chapter authorizes a genetic counselor to practice medicine, including treatment or medical management of a patient. If, in the course of providing genetic counseling to a client, a genetic counselor finds any indication of a disease or condition that requires medical assessment or treatment, the genetic counselor shall refer the client to a provider licensed to practice medicine.
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