Welcome New York State

Genetics Health Care Professionals and Friends!        

           
The New York State Genetic Counseling Working Group for Licensure (NYSGCWGL) is a small group of genetic counselors who are actively working to help pass legislation to grant licensure for genetic counselors in New York.   Members include the directors of both NYS Genetic Counseling graduate training programs at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine and Sarah Lawrence College, as well as master's degree level genetic counselors serving New Yorkers throughout the state. 

Genetic counselor licensure has already been achieved in a number of other states that have recognized the importance of offering its citizens some assurance that they can identify qualified genetic counseling professionals.  These states include California, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Massachusetts and Utah, as well as many others who are actively working through the legislative process.

Information about the genetic contribution to all human conditions, from infancy to adulthood, has exploded. Genetic counselors work with healthcare providers to care for thousands of New Yorkers every year. The patients have a right to know that their genetic counselor adheres to the highest standards of practice. This is why licensure is so important. (Click About Licensure for additional benefits)  

In December of 2006, a single bill has been introduced to both the House (A3556) and the Senate (S1858). To read a copy of the bill click here  While licensure bills have been considered in past years, the current bill has a legitimate chance to be passed by the legislature of NYS.  With the collaborative efforts in the NYS genetics community, we believe that we have an excellent chance to achieve licensure in 2008.

We have established this website with the hopes of uniting counselors, providers and the public to help make licensure a reality. We are counting on you!! 

Go to "How can I help" to see specific ways in which you can have an impact.  Please also visit "for your letterhead" under campaign tools for template letters that you can send to key state legislators showing your support for this bill. 

Please pass our link www.nysghpa.org onto others who have an interest in helping NY state's genetic counselors and assure all genetics consumers receive qualified genetic counseling services.