S241 establishes the South Carolina Board of Genetic Counselors within the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (LLR). This board can create rules, regulations, and disciplinary procedures for genetic counseling practice. It consists of five members appointed by the Governor. LLR anticipates about 150 genetic counselors seeking licensure in the first year.
The South Carolina State Senate passed S241 on March 22, 2023 by a vote of 39 to 6. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this is an expansion of government authority into an area that should be left to the free market and private sector. This bill creates government positions that could potentially compete with private jobs. Additionally, patients should have the freedom to choose genetic counselors based on their qualifications and reputation rather than relying on government licensure.