DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS  
DIRECTOR’S OFFICE  
GENETIC COUNSELING – GENERAL RULES  
(By authority conferred on the director of the department of licensing and regulatory  
affairs by sections 16145, 16148, 16174, 16201, 16204, 16287, 17091, 17092, and 17096  
of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.16145, 333.16148, 333.16174,  
333.16201, 333.16204, 333.16287, 333.17091, 333.17092, and 333.17096, and Executive  
Reorganization Order Nos. 1991-9, 1996-2, 2003-1, and 2011-4, MCL 338.3501,  
445.2001, 445.2011, and 445.2030)  
PART 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS  
R 338.2451 Definitions.  
Rule 151. (1) As used in these rules:  
(a) “ABGC” means the American Board of Genetic Counseling, Inc., or its  
successor.  
(b) “ABMGG” means the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics or  
its successor.  
(c) “Board” means the Michigan board of medicine created under section 17021 of  
the code, MCL 333.17021.  
(d) "Code" means the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.1101 to  
333.25211.  
(e) “Department” means the department of licensing and regulatory affairs.  
(2) A term defined in the code has the same meaning when used in these rules.  
History: 2021 AACS.  
R 338.2455 Telehealth.  
Rule 155. (1) A licensee shall obtain consent for treatment before providing a  
telehealth service under section 16284 of the code, MCL 333.16284.  
(2) A licensee shall maintain proof of consent for telehealth treatment in the  
patient’s up-to-date medical record and satisfy section 16213 of the code, MCL  
333.16213.  
(3) A licensee providing a telehealth service may prescribe a drug if the licensee is a  
prescriber acting within the scope of the licensee’s practice and in compliance with  
section 16285 of the code, MCL 333.16285, and if the licensee does both of the  
following:  
(a) Refers the patient to a provider that is geographically accessible to the patient, if  
medically necessary.  
(b) Makes the licensee available to provide follow-up care services to the patient, or  
to refer the patient to another provider, for follow-up care.  
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(4) A licensee providing any telehealth service shall do both of the following:  
(a) Act within the scope of the licensee’s practice.  
(b) Exercise the same standard of care applicable to a traditional, in-person health  
care service.  
History: 2021 AACS; 2023 AACS; 2024 MR 4, Eff. Feb. 16, 2024.  
R 338.2457 Training standards for identifying victims of human trafficking;  
requirements.  
Rule 157. (1) Under section 16148 of the code, MCL 333.16148, an individual  
seeking licensure or who is licensed shall have completed training in identifying victims  
of human trafficking that satisfies all the following standards:  
(a) Training content must cover all the following:  
(i) Understanding the types and venues of human trafficking in the United States.  
(ii) Identifying victims of human trafficking in health care settings.  
(iii) Identifying the warning signs of human trafficking in health care settings for  
adults and minors.  
(iv) Providing resources for reporting the suspected victims of human trafficking.  
(b) Acceptable providers or methods of training include any of the following:  
(i) Training offered by a nationally recognized or state-recognized health-related  
organization.  
(ii) Training offered by, or in conjunction with, a state or federal agency.  
(iii) Training obtained in an educational program that has been approved under  
these rules for initial licensure or registration, or by a college or university.  
(iv) Reading an article related to the identification of victims of human trafficking  
that satisfies the requirements of subdivision (a) of this subrule and is published in a peer-  
reviewed journal, health care journal, or professional or scientific journal.  
(c) Acceptable modalities of training include any of the following:  
(i) Teleconference or webinar.  
(ii) Online presentation.  
(iii) Live presentation.  
(iv) Printed or electronic media.  
(2) The department may select and audit a sample of individuals and request  
documentation of proof of completion of training. If audited by the department, an  
individual shall provide an acceptable proof of completion of training, including either of  
the following:  
(a) Proof of completion certificate issued by the training provider that includes the  
date, provider name, name of training, and individual’s name.  
(b) A self-certification statement by the individual. The certification statement  
must include the individual’s name and either of the following:  
(i) For training completed under subrule (1)(b)(i) to (iii) of this rule, the date,  
training provider name, and name of training.  
(ii) For training completed under subrule (1)(b)(iv) of this rule, the title of the  
article, author, publication name of the peer-review journal, health care journal, or  
professional or scientific journal, and the date, volume, and issue of publication, as  
applicable.  
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(3) Under section 16148 of the code, MCL 333.16148, the requirements specified in  
subrule (1) of this rule apply for license renewals beginning with the 2025 renewal cycle  
and for initial licenses beginning April 15, 2026.  
History: 2021 AACS; 2023 AACS; 2024 MR 4, Eff. Feb. 16, 2024.  
PART 2. LICENSURE  
R 338.2461 Application for license; qualifications.  
Rule 161. (1) An applicant for a genetic counselor license shall satisfy the  
requirements of the code and the rules promulgated under the code, as well as both of the  
following requirements:  
(a) Provide the required fee and a completed application on a form provided by the  
department.  
(b) Provide proof, as directed by the department, verifying current certification in  
good standing from the ABGC or the ABMGG.  
(2) An applicant for a temporary-licensed genetic counselor license shall satisfy the  
requirements of the code and the rules promulgated under the code, as well as all the  
following requirements:  
(a) Provide the required fee and a completed application on a form provided by the  
department.  
(b) Provide proof, as directed by the department, verifying active candidate status  
from the ABGC or the ABMGG.  
(c) Provide proof, as directed by the department, verifying that the applicant will be  
supervised by a qualified supervisor in this state.  
History: 2021 AACS; 2023 AACS; 2024 MR 4, Eff. Feb. 16, 2024.  
R 338.2462 Application for license by endorsement; qualifications.  
Rule 162. (1) An applicant for a genetic counselor license by endorsement shall  
satisfy the requirements of the code and the rules promulgated under the code, as well as  
all the following requirements:  
(a) Provide the required fee and a completed application on a form provided by the  
department.  
(b) Provide proof, as directed by the department, verifying a current and full genetic  
counselor license in another state or in a province of Canada.  
(c) Provide proof, as directed by the department, verifying current certification in  
good standing from the ABGC or the ABMGG.  
(2) An applicant who is or has been licensed, registered, or certified in a health  
profession or specialty by another state, the United States military, the federal  
government, or another country shall disclose that fact on the application form. The  
applicant shall satisfy the requirements of section 16174(2) of the code, MCL 333.16174,  
including verification from the issuing entity showing that disciplinary proceedings are  
not pending against the applicant and sanctions are not in force when applying. If  
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licensure is granted and it is determined that sanctions have been imposed, the  
disciplinary subcommittee may impose appropriate sanctions under section 16174(5) of  
the code, MCL 333.16174.  
History: 2023 AACS; 2024 MR 4, Eff. Feb. 16, 2024.  
R 338.2463 Application for relicensure; qualifications.  
Rule 163. (1) An applicant may be relicensed within 3 years after the expiration  
date of the license under section 16201(3) of the code, MCL 333.16201, if the applicant  
satisfies the requirements of the code and the rules promulgated under the code, as well  
as all the following requirements:  
(a) Provides the required fee and a completed application on a form provided by the  
department.  
(b) Provides proof, as directed by the department, verifying 1 of the following, as  
applicable:  
(i) If applying for relicensure as a genetic counselor, current certification in good  
standing from the ABGC or the ABMGG.  
(ii) If applying for relicensure as a temporary-licensed genetic counselor, active  
candidate status from the ABGC or the ABMGG.  
(c) Establishes good moral character as that term is defined in, and determined  
under, 1974 PA 381, MCL 338.41 to 338.47.  
(d) If applying for relicensure as a temporary-licensed genetic counselor, provides  
proof, as directed by the department, verifying that the applicant will be supervised by a  
qualified supervisor in this state.  
(2) An applicant may be relicensed more than 3 years after the expiration date of the  
license under section 16201(4) of the code, MCL 333.16201, if the applicant satisfies the  
requirements of the code and the rules promulgated under the code, as well as all the  
following requirements:  
(a) Provides the required fee and a completed application on a form provided by the  
department.  
(b) Provides proof, as directed by the department, verifying 1 of the following, as  
applicable:  
(i) If applying for relicensure as a genetic counselor, current certification in good  
standing from the ABGC or the ABMGG.  
(ii) If applying for relicensure as a temporary-licensed genetic counselor, active  
candidate status from the ABGC or the ABMGG.  
(c) Establishes good moral character as that term is defined in, and determined  
under, 1974 PA 381, MCL 338.41 to 338.47.  
(d) Provides fingerprints as required under section 16174(3) of the code, MCL  
333.16174.  
(e) If applying for relicensure as a temporary-licensed genetic counselor, provides  
proof, as directed by the department, verifying that the applicant will be supervised by a  
qualified supervisor in this state.  
(3) An applicant who is or has been licensed, registered, or certified in a health  
profession or specialty by another state, the United States military, the federal  
government, or another country shall disclose that fact on the application form. The  
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applicant shall satisfy the requirements of section 16174(2) of the code, MCL 333.16174,  
including verification from the issuing entity showing that disciplinary proceedings are  
not pending against the applicant and sanctions are not in force when applying. If  
licensure is granted and it is determined that sanctions have been imposed, the  
disciplinary subcommittee may impose appropriate sanctions under section 16174(5) of  
the code, MCL 333.16174.  
History: 2021 AACS; 2023 AACS; 2024 MR 4, Eff. Feb. 16, 2024.  
R 338.2465 Application for renewal of license; qualifications.  
Rule 165. (1) An applicant for renewal of a genetic counselor license shall satisfy  
the requirements of the code and the rules promulgated under the code, as well as all the  
following requirements:  
(a) Provide the required fee and a completed application on a form provided by the  
department.  
(b) Provide proof, as directed by the department, verifying current certification in  
good standing from the ABGC or the ABMGG.  
(c) Satisfy the requirements under R 338.2471, as applicable.  
(2) An applicant for renewal of a temporary-licensed genetic counselor license shall  
satisfy the requirements of the code and the rules promulgated under the code, as well as  
all the following requirements:  
(a) Provide the required fee and a completed application on a form provided by the  
department.  
(b) Provide proof, as directed by the department, verifying active candidate status  
from the ABGC or the ABMGG.  
(c) Provide proof, as directed by the department, verifying that the licensee will be  
supervised by a qualified supervisor in this state.  
(3) A temporary-licensed genetic counselor license may be renewed 4 times.  
History: 2021 AACS; 2023 AACS; 2024 MR 4, Eff. Feb. 16, 2024.  
PART 3. CONTINUING EDUCATION  
R 338.2471 License renewals.  
Rule 171. (1) This part applies to an application for renewal of a genetic counselor  
license under R 338.2465 and sections 16201 and 17091 of the code, MCL 333.16201  
and 333.17091.  
(2) An applicant for license renewal who has been licensed in the 3-year period  
immediately preceding the application for renewal shall accumulate a minimum of 75  
contact hours of continuing education in activities approved under R 338.2473 during the  
3 years immediately preceding the application for renewal.  
(3) Submission of an application for renewal constitutes the applicant’s certification  
of compliance with the requirements of this rule. The licensee shall retain documentation  
of satisfying the requirements of this rule for 4 years after the date of applying for license  
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renewal. Failure to satisfy this rule is a violation of section 16221(h) of the code, MCL  
333.16221.  
(4) The department may select and audit a sample of licensees who have renewed  
their license and request proof of compliance with subrule (2) of this rule. If audited, a  
licensee shall provide documentation as specified in R 338.2473.  
(5) An applicant shall submit a request for a waiver of continuing education  
requirements to the department for the board’s consideration not less than 30 days before  
the last regularly scheduled board meeting before the expiration date of the license.  
History: 2021 AACS; 2023 AACS; 2024 MR 4, Eff. Feb. 16, 2024.  
R 338.2473 Acceptable continuing education; requirements; limitations.  
Rule 173. (1) The 75 contact hours of continuing education required under R  
338.2471 must satisfy the following requirements, as applicable:  
(a) Credit for a continuing education program or activity that is identical or  
substantially equivalent to a program or activity for which the licensee has already earned  
credit during the renewal period cannot be granted.  
(b) A minimum of 1 contact hour of continuing education must be earned in  
medical ethics.  
(c) A minimum of 1 contact hour of continuing education must be earned in pain  
and symptom management under section 16204 of the code, MCL 333.16204.  
Continuing education contact hours in pain and symptom management may include, but  
are not limited to, any of the following areas:  
(i) Public health burden of pain.  
(ii) Ethics and health policy related to pain.  
(iii) Michigan pain and controlled substance laws.  
(iv) Pain definitions.  
(v) Basic sciences related to pain including pharmacology.  
(vi) Clinical sciences related to pain.  
(vii) Specific pain conditions.  
(viii) Clinical physician communication related to pain.  
(ix) Management of pain, including evaluation and treatment and non-  
pharmacological and pharmacological management.  
(x) Ensuring quality pain care.  
(xi) Michigan programs and resources relevant to pain.  
(d) Completion of implicit bias training under R 338.7004 during the 3 years  
immediately preceding the application for renewal may be used toward satisfaction of the  
requirements of R 338.2471(2) and this subrule.  
(2) The following activities are acceptable continuing education:  
Activity and Proof of Completion  
Number of Continuing  
Education Contact Hours  
Granted/Allowed for the  
Activity  
(a) Attendance at or participation in a continuing  
education program or activity related to the practice  
The number of continuing  
education contact hours  
of genetic counseling that includes, but is not limited credit for a specific  
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to, live in-person programs, interactive or monitored program or activity is the  
teleconference, audio-conference, or web-based number of contact hours  
programs, online programs, and journal articles with approved by the sponsor or  
a self-study component or other self-study programs the approving organization  
approved or offered by any of the following  
organizations:  
for the specific program.  
- Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical  
Education (ACCME) including non-ACCME  
accredited providers engaging in joint providership  
with ACCME accredited providers.  
- American College of Medical Genetics and  
Genomics.  
A minimum of 45 hours of  
continuing education credit  
must be earned in this  
activity in each renewal  
period.  
- American College of Obstetricians and  
Gynecologists.  
A maximum of 75 contact  
hours of continuing  
- American Medical Association.  
- American Nurses Credentialing Center’s  
Commission on Accreditation.  
education credit may be  
earned for this activity in  
each renewal period.  
- American Osteopathic Association.  
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine.  
- Michigan Association of Genetic Counselors.  
- Michigan Osteopathic Association.  
- Michigan State Medical Society.  
- National Society of Genetic Counselors.  
- Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine.  
If audited, the licensee shall provide a copy of the  
letter or certificate of completion showing the  
licensee’s name, number of continuing education  
contact hours earned, sponsor name or the name of  
the organization that approved the program or  
activity for continuing education credit, and the date  
on which the program was held or the activity  
completed.  
(b) Serving as a clinical supervisor for a student at a site Five contact hours of  
used by an Accreditation Council for Genetic  
Counseling (ACGC) accredited program.  
continuing education credit  
is granted for a minimum  
of 25 hours of direct  
To receive credit, the clinical supervision must not be clinical supervision.  
the licensee’s primary employment function.  
A maximum of 30 contact  
If audited, the licensee shall provide the student’s  
initials, training program, dates supervision began  
and ended, and number of supervision hours  
provided per week.  
hours of continuing  
education credit may be  
earned for this activity in  
each renewal period.  
(c) Publication of an article or chapter in a peer-  
reviewed journal or book related to practice-based  
Ten contact hours of  
continuing education credit  
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competency.  
is granted for serving as  
the first, second, or senior  
author.  
If audited, the licensee shall provide a copy of the  
publication that identifies the licensee as the author.  
Five contact hours of  
continuing education credit  
is granted for serving as  
any other author who is not  
first, second, or senior  
author.  
A maximum of 10 contact  
hours of continuing  
education credit may be  
earned per article or  
chapter.  
A maximum of 30 contact  
hours of continuing  
education credit may be  
earned for this activity in  
each renewal period.  
(d) Service in a leadership position role as a board  
member, chair, or leader of a genetics-related  
organization.  
Five contact hours of  
continuing education credit  
is granted for 25 hours of  
service for each  
If audited, the licensee shall provide the organization organization.  
name, contact information, dates of service, dated  
agenda, and meeting minutes documenting not less  
than 25 hours of service.  
A maximum of 30 contact  
hours of continuing  
education credit may be  
earned for this activity in  
each renewal period.  
(e) Serving as an instructor for a graduate-level course in Five contact hours of  
an area related to genetics competency.  
continuing education credit  
is granted for a minimum  
of 5 hours of teaching.  
To receive credit, the instructorship must not be the  
licensee’s primary employment function.  
A maximum of 10 contact  
If audited, the licensee shall provide document titles, hours of continuing  
course description, faculty list of each course, dates  
of all courses, scheduled instructional hours, and a  
letter from the program director verifying the  
licensee’s role.  
education credit may be  
earned for each course.  
A maximum of 30 contact  
hours of continuing  
education credit may be  
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earned for this activity in  
each renewal period.  
Two contact hours of  
continuing education credit  
is granted for each  
(f) Serving as a peer-reviewer of a manuscript by  
invitation for a scientific journal.  
If audited, a licensee shall provide copies of  
manuscript reviewed.  
documentation inviting the license to complete the  
review and thanking them for completing the review. A maximum of 30 contact  
hours of continuing  
education credit may be  
earned for this activity in  
each renewal period.  
History: 2021 AACS; 2023 AACS; 2024 MR 4, Eff. Feb. 16, 2024.  
PART 4. STANDARDS OF PRACTICE  
R 338.2481 Certification; active candidate status; requirement.  
Rule 171. (1) A genetic counselor licensee shall maintain certification with the  
ABGC or the ABMGG.  
(2) A temporary-licensed genetic counselor shall report to the department a change  
in qualified supervisor not later than 30 days after the change occurs.  
(3) A temporary-licensed genetic counselor license automatically expires on  
issuance of a genetic counselor license or on loss of active candidate status with the  
ABGC or the ABMGG. A temporary-licensed genetic counselor shall report to the  
department a change in active candidate status not later than 30 days after the change  
occurs.  
History: 2021 AACS; 2023 AACS; 2024 MR 4, Eff. Feb. 16, 2024.  
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;