Preparing for Maryland's Application
We just attended Maryland's licensure webinar, which was full of super helpful information. This application will be more involved than some of the others released this year, so it's time to start preparing now.
Here are the highlights from the meeting:
Applications:
Online applications will open on October 23rd
Enforcement will start January 1, 2024
Application Fee: $300 + Background check fee ($31.25 out of state, $51.25 in-state)
Criminal Background Check (CBC) required. Must be submitted BEFORE submitting the application, but no more than 90 days before applying. Out of state applicants will have to request a fingerprinting packet to be mailed to them ahead of time. In-state applicants will go in person to a state-approved site. You will be required to upload your CBC receipt to complete the application.
Verifications of existing licenses are required. They will NOT accept online verifications downloaded by the applicant. However, the state may be able to look up the verifications themselves. The state will notify the applicant if they are unable to verify the licenses themselves. At that point, the applicant will have to request the verification be sent directly from their existing state (and pay any required fees).
Verification of education will be required. A form will be provided to send to your graduate school.
There is no residency requirement, so international applicants may apply if the meet all other qualifications.
Anyone in the state using the title "Genetic Counselor" or related terms, practice "genetic counseling" as defined by the law within Maryland, or GCs who see Maryland patients will need a license. See the law for more details on the definition of genetic counseling.
Renewals:
Renewals will happen every 2 years
Renewal Fee: $250
Other:
GCs CAN order testing independently, but must refer patients to a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Link to the law: https://legiscan.com/MD/text/HB299/2021
Link to Background check info: https://www.mbp.state.md.us/forms/CHRC_Instructions_MBP.pdf
As you can see, there is a lot to do to get this application done! If you're interested in utilizing our AutoGen services for this state, please let us know ASAP so we can begin preparing.
Please let us know if you have any further questions!
