1. (a)

   1. (1) The term of a license issued by the Board may not exceed 3 years.
   2. (2) A license expires on a date set by the Board, unless the license is renewed for an additional term as provided in this section.

2. (b) At least 1 month before a license expires, the Board shall send to the licensed genetic counselor a renewal notice that states:

   1. (1) The date on which the current license expires;
   2. (2) The date by which the renewal application must be received by the Board for the renewal to be issued and sent before the license expires; and
   3. (3) The amount of the renewal fee.

3. (c) Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, before a license expires, a licensed genetic counselor periodically may renew it for an additional term if the licensee:

   1. (1) Is of good moral character;
   2. (2) Pays to the Board a renewal fee set by the Board;

   3. (3) Submits to the Board:

      1. (i) A renewal application on the form that the Board requires; and
      2. (ii) Satisfactory evidence of compliance with any continuing education or competency requirements and other requirements set under this section for license renewal; and
   4. (4) Meets any additional renewal requirements established by the Board.

4. (d)

   1. (1) In addition to any other qualifications and requirements established by the Board, the Board may establish continuing education or competency requirements as a condition to the renewal of licenses under this section.
   2. (2) A disciplinary panel may impose a civil penalty of up to $100 per continuing education credit in lieu of a sanction under § 14-5G-18 of this subtitle, for a first offense, for the failure of a licensee to obtain the continuing education credits required by the Board.

5. (e)

   1. (1) The Board shall renew the license of each licensed genetic counselor who meets the requirements of this section.
   2. (2) A license may not be renewed for a term longer than 2 years.

6. (f) The Board shall reinstate the license of a genetic counselor who has failed to renew a license for any reason if the genetic counselor:

   1. (1) Meets the renewal requirements of this section;

   2. (2) Submits to the Board:

      1. (i) A reinstatement application on the form that the Board requires; and
      2. (ii) Satisfactory evidence of compliance with any continuing education or competency requirements; and
   3. (3) Meets any additional requirements established by the Board for reinstatement.

7. (g)

   1. (1) The Board shall require a criminal history records check in accordance with § 14-308.1 of this title for:

      1. (i) Renewal applicants as determined by regulations adopted by the Board; and
      2. (ii) Each former licensed genetic counselor who files for reinstatement under subsection (f) of this section.

   2. (2) On receipt of the criminal history record information of a licensed genetic counselor forwarded to the Board in accordance with § 14-308.1 of this title, in determining whether disciplinary action should be taken, based on the criminal history record information, against a licensed genetic counselor who renewed or reinstated a license, the Board shall consider:

      1. (i) The age at which the crime was committed;
      2. (ii) The nature of the crime;
      3. (iii) The circumstances surrounding the crime;
      4. (iv) The length of time that has passed since the crime;
      5. (v) Subsequent work history;
      6. (vi) Employment and character references; and
      7. (vii) Other evidence that demonstrates whether the licensee poses a threat to the public health or safety.
   3. (3) The Board may renew or reinstate a license only if the licensed genetic counselor or applicant attests that the licensed genetic counselor or applicant has submitted a criminal history records check under § 14-308.1 of this title.

Added by Acts 2021, c. 603, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022; Acts 2021, c. 604, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.