Regulation

Why don’t genetic counsellors have their own practices in Canada? What’s to stop unqualified individuals from calling themselves a genetic counsellor? What is stopping genetic counsellors from obtaining licensure such as our colleagues in the United States?

Rapid technological advances are fast bringing genetics into all aspects of medicine and public health. The answers to the questions above become critical in ensuring that quality, accurate, and ethical care is provided to Canadian citizens.

For more information about provincial initiatives, please visit/contact:

  • Alberta Association of Genetic Counsellors
    aagc.office@gmail.com
  • Association des conseilleres et conseillers en genetique du Quebec / Quebec Association of Genetic Counsellors
    www.accgq-qagc.ca
  • Ontario  Ontario Association of Genetic Counsellors - Association des conseiller.ère.ær.s en génétique de l'Ontario (OAGC-ACGO)
    www.oagc-acgo.ca
  • The Society of Genetic Counsellors in British Columbia and the Yukon
    Info.gcbcy@gmail.com

Additional Documents

CAGC Letter of Support: Ontario Regulation - August 2016
Risk for Patient Harm in Canadian Genetic Counseling Practice: It’s Time to Consider Regulation (Shugar, AL, et al.) - June 2016
A Professional Order for Genetic Counsellors in Quebec / Un ordre professionnel pour les conseillers en génétique du Québec - May 2016
Genetic Counsellors' Responsibilities Across Canada - April 2016
CAGC Update to Professional Governance Committee - April 2016
LES CONSEILLERS EN GÉNÉTIQUE ET LES PROFESSIONS MÉDICALES ET INFIRMIÈRES AU QUÉBEC : DES FRONTIÈRES BROUILLÉES? (Zawati, MH) - 2012

 

Licensure resources shared by the NSGC

Guiding Principles for State Licensure
Model Legislative Provisions
Hiring a Lobbyist
Cases of harm involving genetic counseling situations
Cases of harm - talking points
Template: Letter of support (individual)
Template: Letter of support (organization)
Template: White paper resource / background on need for GC licensure
Template: Sunrise review application
Sample testimony supporting licensure
ASHG calls for state licensing of genetic counselors, September 2015