The Rhode Island Society of Pathologists (RISP) and the CAP, in coordination with the National Society of Genetic Counselors, (NSGC), successfully amended House Bill 5147 by removing genetic counselors’ ability to interpret genetic test results. The amended bill has favorably passed the House. The CAP works closely with state pathology societies to ensure genetic counselors’ scope of practice does not adversely impact pathologists’ scope of practice.
The bill includes the CAP’s language to permit genetic counselors to “integrate genetic laboratory test results and other diagnostic studies with personal and family medical history to assess and communicate risk factors for genetic/medical conditions and diseases.” The interpretation of genetic test results constitutes the practice of medicine that only pathologists and physicians are qualified to do. NSGC agreed with the CAP’s amendments, in alignment with the longstanding negotiation on genetic counselor scope of practice between the CAP and NSGC.
RISP President Corey Hanley, MD, FCAP, previously submitted opposition testimony to the House to advocate for CAP amendments to ensure Rhode Island genetic counselors would not interpret genetic test results that are not current practice in any other state. The Rhode Island General Assembly has since adjourned on July 1, 2021, and the CAP will continue to monitor any refile of the legislation for the next session.