Committee approves licensure for genetic counselors after patient testimony

Senator Leding introduced SB190 as a bipartisan, broadly supported effort to create state licensure for genetic counselors, saying the bill would set recognized standards for the profession and improve access to critical services.

Courtney Cook, an oncology genetic counselor who trained at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, described several patient cases where genetic testing and counseling changed care paths and outcomes. She recounted a case of "Amanda," a 23-year-old diagnosed with a rare metastatic tumor whose family was later found to carry a hereditary condition; after counseling, siblings underwent testing and preventive surgery. "Genetic counseling licensure in the state of Arkansas ensures that Arkansans are getting state of the art care by state recognized healthcare providers," Cook testified.

Cook told the committee that genetic counseling appointments often last an hour to 90 minutes and that licensure would require board certification, continuing education and establish practice standards that would make Arkansas more attractive to genetic counselors. She said she is presently the only cancer genetic counselor in a three-hour radius and that licensure would ease recruitment.

Senators asked technical questions about board oversight, referral sources and practice standards; witnesses said licensure would be administered under the state medical board's framework and adhere to national guidelines for testing and referrals. The committee moved and voted to pass SB190.

What happens next: SB190 will continue through the Senate process; sponsors said the law will increase provider capacity in Arkansas and set training and practice standards for genetic counselors.