Committee approves pending docket, rejects subsection of National Society of Genetic Counselors code incorporated by reference

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved a pending rule docket and then voted to reject a subsection of the National Society of Genetic Counselors Code of Ethics that had been incorporated by reference in state administrative rules.

The committee first approved pending docket number 24-2401-2401 by motion of Senator Bierke, seconded by Senator Blaylock. Following that vote, Senator Blaylock moved to reject a specified subsection of the incorporated code; the motion as corrected on the record targeted "section 2, subsection 3" of the National Society of Genetic Counselors Code of Ethics as incorporated in IDAPA 24.24.01.002. The motion to reject the subsection passed by voice vote.

Committee members discussed that the code had been incorporated as an entire body of standards and that one portion — a nondiscrimination provision listing many identities — raised concern among members. Senator Shippey summarized the committee's concern in committee discussion: “It was incorporated by reference as an entire body of standards... it had to do with, basically standards of nondiscrimination, and it listed out a long list of, people and identities that couldn't be discriminated against.” Committee members said striking the subsection would not change how services are practiced, but the provision had generated pushback in the House during earlier consideration.

The action amends the committee record on the final rule by striking the stated subsection from the incorporated code. The committee did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript; the chair called the voice vote and the ayes carried the motion.