Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 270 CMR - BOARD OF REGISTRATION OF GENETIC COUNSELORS › Title 270 CMR 3.00 - Licensure Requirements, Procedures and Professional and Ethical Standards of Conduct › Section 3.08 - Standards of Conduct for Genetic Counselors Investigation and Action on Complaints

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The Standards of Conduct for genetic counselors include the following:
(1)
Use of Title
. A genetic counselor shall only identify himself or herself as a genetic counselor while in possession of a current license.
(2)
Misrepresentation of Credentials
. A genetic counselor shall not misrepresent his or her credentials related to the practice of genetic counseling including, but not limited to, education, type of license, professional experience, or any other credential related to his or her work as a genetic counselor.
(3)
Practice under a False or Different Name
. A genetic counselor shall engage in the practice of genetic counseling only under the name in which such license has been issued.
(4)
Acts Within Scope of Practice
. A fully licensed genetic counselor shall only perform acts within the scope of practice as defined in M.G.L. c. 112, § 252 and 270 CMR 2.02:
Practice of Genetic Counseling
. A provisionally licensed genetic counselor shall only perform acts within the scope of practice as defined in M.G.L. c. 112, § 252 and 270 CMR 2.02:
Practice of Genetic Counseling
only under general supervision in accordance with 270 CMR 3.03.
(5)
Competency
. A genetic counselor shall only assume those duties and responsibilities within his or her scope of practice and for which he or she has acquired and maintained necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
(6)
Responsibility and Accountability
. A genetic counselor shall be responsible and accountable for his or her judgments, actions, and competency in the course of performing his or her duties as a genetic counselor.
(7)
Documentation
. A genetic counselor shall make complete, accurate, and legible entries in all records required by federal, state and local laws and regulations.
(8)
Falsification of Information
. A genetic counselor shall not knowingly falsify, or attempt to falsify, any documentation or information related to any aspect of licensure as a genetic counseling or the delivery of genetic counseling services.
(9)
Alteration or Destruction of Records
. A genetic counselor shall not inappropriately destroy or alter any record related to his or her work as a genetic counselor.
(10)
Discrimination
. A genetic counselor shall not withhold or deny care or services based on age, ancestry, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, religious creed, national origin, diagnosis, or mental or physical disability.
(11)
Patient Abuse, Neglect, Mistreatment, or Other Harm
. A genetic counselor shall not abuse, neglect, mistreat, or otherwise harm a patient.
(12)
Patient Dignity and Privacy
. A genetic counselor shall safeguard a patient's dignity and right to privacy.
(13)
Patient Confidential Information
. A genetic counselor shall safeguard patient information from any person or entity, not entitled to such information. A genetic counselor shall share appropriate information only as required by law or authorized by the patient for the well-being or protection of the patient.
(14)
Sexual Contact
. A genetic counselor shall not have sexual contact with any patient with whom he or she has a current genetic counselor/patient relationship or with any former patient who may be vulnerable by virtue of disability, age, illness, or cognitive ability.
(15)
Professional Boundaries
. A genetic counselor shall establish and observe professional boundaries with respect to any patient with whom he or she has a current genetic counselor/patient relationship. A genetic counselor shall continue to observe professional boundaries with his or her former patients who may be vulnerable by virtue of disability, age, illness, or cognitive ability.
(16)
Exercise of Undue Influence
. A genetic counselor shall not exercise undue influence on a patient, including the promotion or sale of services, goods, appliances or drugs, in such a manner as to exploit the patient for financial gain for the benefit of the genetic counselor or a third party.
(17)
Borrowing from Patients
. A genetic counselor shall not borrow money, materials, or other property from any patient.
(18)
Undue Benefit or Gain
. A genetic counselor shall interact with patients without undue benefit or gain to the genetic counselor or a third party.
(19)
Relationship Affecting Professional Judgment
. A genetic counselor shall not initiate or maintain a genetic counselor/patient relationship that is likely to adversely affect the genetic counselor's professional judgment.
(20)
Advertising
. A genetic counselor shall not engage in false, deceptive, or misleading advertising related to genetic counseling.
(21)
Fraudulent Practices
. A genetic counselor shall not engage in any fraudulent practice including, but not limited to, billing for services not rendered or submitting false claims for reimbursement.
(22)
Impersonation
. A genetic counselor shall not impersonate another genetic counselor or other health care provider, or knowingly allow or enable another person to impersonate him or her.
(23)
Aiding Unlawful Activity
. A genetic counselor shall not aid any person in performing any act prohibited by law or regulation.
(24)
Circumvention of Law
. A genetic counselor shall not receive from, or offer, give, or promise anything of value or benefit to, any official to circumvent any federal, state or local laws or regulations.
(25)
Practice While Impaired
. A genetic counselor shall not act as a genetic counselor while impaired.
(26)
Unlawful Acquisition and Possession of Controlled Substances
. A genetic counselor shall not unlawfully obtain or possess controlled substances.
(27)
Duty to Report to the Board
. A genetic counselor has a duty to report to the Board if he or she directly observes another genetic counselor:
(a) abuse a patient;
(b) practice genetic counseling while impaired by substance use;
(c) divert controlled substances.