Committee hears bill to let licensed genetic counselors order tests; supporters cite faster, cheaper care

Senator Jack Poore introduced Senate Bill 70 to the Health and Social Services Committee, proposing that licensed genetic counselors be permitted to order genetic tests without a physician co-signature.

Supporters — including physicians, hospital systems and genetic counselors — told the committee the change would reduce delays in care, improve selection of appropriate tests and lower costs by avoiding unnecessary or duplicate testing. They said the change aligns Delaware with about 17 other states that have enacted similar licensure or scope-of-practice laws.

Doctor Nick Petrelli, director of the Center for Translational Cancer Research at the Cancer Center (formerly medical director of the Helen Graham Cancer Center at Christiana Care), told the committee that genetic counseling and targeted testing have contributed to decreases in cancer incidence and mortality…