B46D136B5409A1898725852A00627D9F Hearing Summary

Representative Buckner, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 20-040.  This bill enacts the Genetic Counselor Licensure Act, requiring genetic counselors to be licensed by the Division of Professions and Occupations in the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) starting on June 1, 2021.  The bill establishes the licensing requirements, including  being certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling or the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics.  In addition, the bill sets forth the application and renewal processes, continuing education requirements, the scope of practice for licensees, rulemaking authority, insurance requirements, and disciplinary procedures.  The bill does not restrict the practice of certain individuals, such as doctors, students, federal employees, or individuals from another state or county who are certified.  The bill is scheduled to repeal on September 1, 2027, after a sunset review.  Finally, the bill creates two new misdemeanors for practicing genetic counseling without a license.

The bill sponsor responded to questions from the committee.

Lauren Pickens, Colorado Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, testified in opposition to the bill. She distributed a handout to the committee (Attachment B).

The witness responded to questions from the committee.

Carol Walton, Children's Hospital Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Tim Benke, Children's Hospital Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Mary Freivogel, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

The previous panel of witnesses responded to questions from the committee.

Thomas Morris, Office of Legislative Legal Services, responded to a question about the bill.

Aaron Carpenter, Legislative Council Staff, responded to a question concerning the fiscal note.

Representative Buckner responded to questions from the committee.

The bill sponsor made closing comments on the bill.