Genetic Counsellors – A Need for Regulation

Approximately 50-55 genetic counsellors currently live or work in Alberta.  Most genetic counsellors work in a clinical setting and provide genetic counselling services to patients. 

Although there are national training and certification standards for genetic counsellors, it is currently an unregulated health profession in Alberta. Regulation would protect Albertans, and would be a legal standard outlining who can represent themselves as genetic counsellors, among other benefits.

Regulation - Frequently Asked Questions

  • Genetic counsellors have a specialized graduate degree and achieve certification through the Canadian Board of Genetic Counselling and/or the American Board of Genetic Counseling.

  • Recertification through professional practice and continuing education is required to maintain certification. 

Practice standards for GCs have been established by the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors and include Practice-Based Competencies.

Alberta currently has no legal standard to determine who can represent themselves as genetic counsellors.  Regulation would protect the citizens of Alberta by ensuring that genetic counsellors practicing in Alberta:

  • Have appropriate training in medical genetics and genetic counselling

  • Are certified by the Canadian Board of Genetic Counselling and/or the American Board of Genetic Counseling 

  • Collect a minimum number of continuing education credits to stay up to date in the rapidly changing field of genetics.

Regulation would also create a means for Alberta to regulate genetic counselling services.

  • Alberta would define what genetic counsellors can do.

  • Alberta would prevent unqualified individuals from practicing genetic counselling within the province.

  • Alberta could suspend or revoke licenses of genetic counsellors who cause harm to citizens of Alberta through inadequate genetic counselling.

Regulation will positively impact Alberta’s economy:

  • Genetic counsellors ensure appropriate tests are ordered and interpreted to facilitate proper medical management while reducing healthcare costs .

  • Regulation would help attract trained genetic counsellors to Alberta.

  • Genetic counsellors work with physicians, as part of a multidisciplinary team, or independently, to provide genetics services to families and/or individuals (CAGC – Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors).

  • Genetic counsellors consult with patients and families in reproductive genetics, pediatric genetics, cancer genetics, cardiovascular genetics, neurogenetics, and other genetics settings. 

  • Genetic counsellors provide genetic counselling for patients and families at increased risk for a variety of genetic conditions with onset at birth through adulthood.

  • Genetic counsellors evaluate and assess risk for a genetic condition, educate patients about the condition and available management options, facilitate genetic testing and test interpretation when available and appropriate, and assess and address the psychosocial impact of a genetic condition in order to help families adapt.