Genetic Counselor Licensure

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Eligibility

To be eligible for licensure to practice genetic counseling in Iowa, an applicant must hold and maintain active certification as a genetic counselor by the American Board of Genetic Counseling, as a genetic counselor by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics, or as a medical geneticist by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics, or the successor to any of the aforementioned organizations.

Definition

"Genetic Counseling" is defined as a form of health care developed to obtain and evaluate individual, family, and medical histories to determine genetic risk for genetic and medical conditions and diseases in a patient, the patient’s offspring, and other family members. Genetic counselors possess the ability to do the following:

Discuss the features, history, means of diagnosis, genetic and environmental factors, and management of risk for genetic and medical conditions and diseases;
Identify, order, and coordinate genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies as appropriate for the genetic assessment of a patient;
Refer a patient to a specialty or subspecialty department as necessary for the purpose of collaborating on diagnosis and treatment involving multiple body systems and general medical management;
Integrate 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;
Explain the clinical implications of genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies and their results;
Evaluate the responses of a patient or patient’s family to the condition or risk of recurrence and provide patient-centered genetic counseling and anticipatory guidance;
Identify and utilize community resources that provide medical, educational, financial, and psychosocial support and advocacy; and
Provide written documentation of medical, genetic, and counseling information for families and health care professionals.

A genetic counselor licensed under Iowa Code chapter 148H may use the words “genetic counselor” or “licensed genetic counselor” or the corresponding abbreviation “LGC” after the person’s name. Persons who possess a provisional license shall add the designation “provisional licensed genetic counselor.”

Renewal

After a genetic counselor license is issued, the license expires on October 31 of odd years. Renewal applications must include the correct renewal fee, along with documented evidence that the licensee holds current active status from the ABGC or ABMGG or proof of active candidate status for provisional licensure.

Apply or Renew a License

Go to the Board's Online Services webpage to start the application process.