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- Rhode Island Pathologists, CAP Oppose Genetic Counselors Interpreting Test Results
The Rhode Island Society of Pathologists (RISP) and the CAP are working together to oppose a bill in the Rhode Island state house that would infringe upon pathologists’ scope of practice and allow genetic counselors the ability to interpret genetic tests. The RISP and CAP are committed to protecting pathologists’ scope of practice and ensuring laboratory personnel and genetic counselors' scope of practice are consistent with their education and training.
The interpretation of genetic test results is a practice of medicine that only pathologists and physicians can precisely do.
In an opposition testimony letter to the RI House and Senate, RISP President Corey Hanley, MD, FCAP, stated how the amended bill empowers genetic counselors to interpret genetic test results unlike any other state. “The interpretation of genetic test results is the practice of medicine,” stated Dr. Hanley. “Genetic counselors do not have this scope of practice authority to ‘interpret’ genetic tests in any other state.”
The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) also agreed with the RISP and the CAP’s amended language in the current RI state legislation.