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Panel adopts amendment and advances grant program for genetic-counseling training (HB 1115)
Summary
The subcommittee reported HB 1115 favorably after adopting an amendment that requires state university programs to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling and to support clinical rotations; sponsor Representative Anderson said the grant program aims to address a shortage of licensed genetic counselors in Florida.
Representative Anderson told the subcommittee that HB 1115 would establish an education grant program to expand Florida’s genetic‑counseling workforce. He said the state currently has a shortage of clinical genetic counselors, noting (as stated in the presentation) there are "just 179 licensed genetic counselors who reside in the state," many of whom do not work clinically.
An adopted amendment clarifies that state university programs receiving support must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling and must ensure clinical rotations so the state sees a net increase in practicing genetic counselors. "This amendment simply does 2 very basic things," Anderson said: accreditation and support for clinical rotations.
Representative Gant asked where funding for the grants would come from. Anderson responded, "There is no prescriptive funding that's in the bill. It'd be subject to appropriations." Two individuals, Donald Mullins and George Levesque, waved in support and waived in‑person testimony.
During debate Representative Tann said the bill would help shorten long waits for genetic services. The clerk called the roll; the chair announced 16 ayes, 0 nays and HB 1115 was reported favorably.
Next steps: HB 1115 advances to the next committee. The bill's fiscal impacts and the appropriation needed to implement the grant program were not specified in the hearing.
