§ 124981

(a) A person shall not use the title of genetic counselor unless the person has applied for and obtained a license from the department.

(b) The applicant for a genetic counselor license shall meet minimum qualifications that include, but are not limited to, both of the following:

(1) Has earned a master’s degree or above from a program specializing in or having substantial course content in genetics.

(2) Has demonstrated competence by an examination administered or approved by the department.

(c) The license shall be valid for three years unless at any time during that period it is revoked or suspended. The license may be renewed prior to the expiration of the three-year period.

(d) To qualify to renew the license, a licenseholder shall have completed 45 hours of continuing education units during the three-year license renewal period. At least 30 hours of the continuing education units shall be in genetics.

(e) (1) The fee for an original license and license renewal shall be three hundred dollars ($300).

(2) (A) The department may adjust these fees to an amount not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500).

(B) The department shall solicit input from affected stakeholders before raising fees under this subdivision.

(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 105, Sec. 40. (AB 144) Effective September 17, 2025.)