Position Statement on the Regulation of Genetic Counselors in Canada on Behalf of National and Provincial Genetic Counselor Organizations
TL;DR
All national and provincial Canadian GC organizations endorse the need for regulatory oversight across Canadian provinces and territories and recommend that the Canadian Certified Genetic Counsellor/Conseiller en génétique agréé(e) du Canada (CGAC) credential be adopted as the standard for assessing competence.
Abstract
Genetic Counselors (GCs) are an integral part of the Canadian health system across clinics, laboratories, and industry. Although most GCs meet educational and certification standards required by professional organizations and workplaces, the profession lacks consistent legal recognition in Canada. As genetic testing options expand, GC practice is extending into novel settings such as primary care and becoming more autonomous to meet growing demand and improve access to service. While GCs are regulated in countries with similar public healthcare systems such as Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, Canada has yet to establish this critical measure to protect the public against harms such as inaccurate risk assessment, incorrect or inappropriate genetic test ordering, misuse of healthcare resources and undue psychological distress. All national and provincial Canadian GC organizations endorse the need for regulatory oversight across Canadian provinces and territories and recommend that the Canadian Certified Genetic Counsellor (CCGC)/Conseiller(ère) en génétique agréé(e) du Canada (CGAC) credential be adopted as the standard for assessing competence. We call for coordinated action from provincial and territorial governments and Ministries of Health, as well as provincial and national medical and healthcare associations, healthcare providers, employers, patient groups, and our own organizations to advance the implementation of regulation and ultimately improve access to safe genetic healthcare for Canadians.