Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Medicine
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Practice of Genetic Counselors [18 VAC 85 ‑ 170]
 
Guidance Documents
 
Chapter Information
Description Regulations are promulgated as necessary to ensure minimal competency for practice, continued competency for renewal of licensure, and standards of conduct for safe practice.
State Authority 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2957.18
Federal Authority None entered
Text of Regulation Link to Virginia Administrative Code
Goals of Regulation 1. To set standards that protect public health and safety.
2. To set minimum qualifications for licensure and renewal of licensure.
Meetings See all meetings (1) relating to this chapter.

Contact Information
Name / Title: Erin Barrett  / Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
Address: Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, VA 23233
Email Address: erin.barrett@dhp.virginia.gov
Telephone: (804)750-3912    FAX: (804)915-0382    TDD: ()-
Current Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
None

Past Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Licensure by endorsement for genetic counselors
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/03/2025.
Implementation of 2022 Periodic Review for Chapter 170 Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/03/2025.
Conforming to 2021 legislation - repeal of conscience clause
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/01/2021.
Handling fee Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/05/2020.
Renewal fee reduction
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/02/2019.
Electronic renewal notices Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/22/2019.
Temporary licensure Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/10/2019.
Renewal fee reduction
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/27/2017.
Conforming to Code - grandfathering date
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/04/2017.
Initial regulations for licensure Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/14/2017.

Periodic Reviews
Last Activity Status
10/6/2022 Agency Completed Amend