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Licensing needed, genetic counselors say

They are trying again to pass legislation the governor vetoed last year.

TALLAHASSEE - The more scientists learn about human genetics, the more people can see into the future of their health and the health of their children - even those not yet born.

But this new knowledge doesn't come with an automatic understanding of what to do with the news that you may be more likely to get a disease, or that your future child is likely to have a certain condition.

That's where genetic counselors come in.

There are fewer than 100 of them in Florida with a master's degree in the field, but other people also offer genetic advice.

Genetic counselors say those people may not be qualified, and the counselors are asking lawmakers to license them so clients can be sure they are getting knowledgeable information and advice.

"The concern is, either there's misinformation, or incomplete information," said Heather Hansen, a genetic counselor at Nemours Childrens Clinic in Jacksonville.

That's not good when people are making life-changing decisions about their health care, or possibly deciding whether to have children or get a child tested for a certain condition, she said.

On Friday the House Health Care Appropriations Committee unanimously approved a bill (HB 1033) that would create a state Board of Genetic Counseling to regulate the profession.

Counselors have tried before to get such a board - the Legislature passed a similar measure last year that Gov. Jeb Bush vetoed. The potential for harm from lack of regulation was "vague and speculative," he said.

This year counselors have been trying to work with the governor's office to convince him of the need, said Dan Riconda, a genetic counselor at Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando who has been pushing the issue.

"If I want to be a cosmetologist, I need to be licensed to do that. If I want to provide genetic counseling, I don't need a license" now, Riconda said. "The main goal here is to empower people to make informed decisions."

Genetic counselors can provide information important to making weighty decisions.

For example, women who inherit certain gene mutations are three to seven times more likely than other women to get breast cancer. They also face an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Women need to understand their options once they learn they have the mutation.

Hansen said some women who learn they have the mutation choose to have a mastectomy to lower the cancer risk.

Genetic counselors already can be certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. At least two states, California and Utah, have licensing boards.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Joyce Cusack, D-DeLand, has one more committee stop in the House. A similar measure is being considered in the Senate.

[Last modified April 16, 2005, 01:20:07]