1. A. “ABGC” means the American board of genetic counseling, a national agency for certification and recertification of genetic counselors, or its successor agency.
2. B. “ABMG” means the American board of medical genetics, a national agency for certification and recertification of genetic counselors and geneticists with medical or other doctoral degrees, or its successor agency.

3. C. “Accreditation” means any of the following definitions.

   (1) Full accreditation indicates that the program meets the minimum standards established by ABGC to provide a well-rounded and adequate educational and clinical program for students. ABGC full accreditation is typically conferred for a period of six (6) years and reaccreditation is typically conferred for a period of up to eight (8) years, although ABGC reserves the right to provide probationary or shorter-term accreditation.

   (2) Probationary accreditation indicates that, while the program continues to have accredited status, it does not meet the minimum standards for providing educational and clinical training for students and has generalized problems that appear to interfere with optimal education of the candidates. This program must make public its probationary status.

   (3) Provisional accreditation applies to a new program that has completed and submitted an application for becoming an accredited program. Such a program must meet the minimum criteria for providing the master’s degree in genetic counseling, as established by ABGC. Provisionally accredited programs must apply for full accreditation within three (3) years of matriculating their first class. If the program does not attain full accreditation (or accreditation with restrictions), provisional accreditation will be revoked. Probationary accreditation is not an option for a provisionally accredited program.

4. D. “Active candidate status” means a graduate who has applied to sit for the ABGC certification examination according to published eligibility requirements in effect for that examination cycle, and who has been approved as a candidate for that examination cycle based on review and approval of his/her credentials by the ABGC credentials committee.
5. E. “Active status” means a license that is current and authorizes the licensee to engage in the practice of genetic counseling.
6. F. “Alternate supervising genetic counselor or physician” means a genetic counselor or physician who holds a current unrestricted New Mexico license, is a cosignatory on the notification of supervision, and agrees to act as the supervising genetic counselor or physician in the absence of the designated genetic counselor or physician.
7. G. “Board” means the New Mexico medical board.
8. H. “Certification” means successful completion of a comprehensive general genetics examination and genetic counseling specialty examination administered by ABGC or ABMG, or after 2009, successful completion of the ABGC certification examination.
9. I. “Contact hour” means sixty (60) minutes of actual instructional time. Breaks, meals, evaluations, wrap-up or registration are not included when calculating hours.

10. J. “Effective supervision” means the oversight, control, and direction of services rendered by a genetic counselor practicing on a temporary license. Supervision shall be provided by a licensed genetic counselor or physician. Elements of effective supervision include:

    (1) on-going availability of direct communication, either face-to-face or by electronic means;

    (2) active, ongoing review of the genetic counselor’s services, as appropriate, for qualify assurance and professional support;

    (3) delineation of a predetermined plan for emergency situations, including unplanned absence of the primary supervising genetic counselor or physician; and

    (4) identification and registration of an alternate supervising genetic counselor or physician, as appropriate to the practice setting.

11. K. “Expired” means a license was not renewed by the biennial renewal date of March 1 or at the end of the grace period of May 1, and the licensee is not eligible to practice within the state of New Mexico.

12. L. “Genetic counseling” means a communication process that may include:

    (1) estimating the likelihood of occurrence or recurrence of any potentially inherited or genetically influenced condition or congenital abnormality. Genetic counseling may involve:

    (a) obtaining and analyzing the complete health history of an individual and family members;

    (b) reviewing pertinent medical records;

    (c) evaluating the risks from exposure to possible mutagens or teratogens; and

    (d) determining appropriate genetic testing or other evaluations to diagnose a condition or determine the carrier status of one (1) or more family members;

    (2) helping an individual, family or health care provider to:

    (a) appreciate the medical, psychological and social implications of a disorder, including its features, variability, usual course and management options;

    (b) learn how genetic factors contribute to a disorder and affect the chance for occurrence of the disorder in other family members;

    (c) understand available options for coping with, preventing or reducing the chance of occurrence or recurrence of a disorder;

    (d) select the most appropriate, accurate and cost-effective methods of diagnosis; and

    (e) understand genetic or prenatal tests, coordinate testing for inherited disorders and interpret complex genetic test results; and

    (3) facilitating an individual’s or family’s:

    (a) exploration of the perception of risk and burden associated with a genetic disorder; and

    (b) adjustment and adaptation to a disorder or the individual’s or family’s genetic risk by addressing needs for psychological, social and medical support.

13. M. “Genetic counselor” means a person licensed pursuant to the Genetic Counseling Act to engage in the practice of genetic counseling.
14. N. “Grace period” means the sixty (60) day period following the renewal date when a genetic counselor may renew a license that was not renewed by the renewal date, by paying the required renewal fee, the late fee and meeting the renewal requirements. A licensee may continue to practice during the grace period.
15. O. “Grace period status” means the license has not been renewed by the renewal date and has not expired.
16. P. “Military service member” means a person who is serving in the armed forces of the United States or in a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the national guard.
17. Q. “NSGC” means the national society of genetic counselors, a professional membership society promoting the genetic counseling profession as an integral part of health care delivery and offering educational programs.
18. R. “Recent veteran” means a person who has received an honorable discharge or separation from military service within the two (2) years immediately preceding the date the person applies for a genetic counselor license pursuant to section 16.10.21.12. The veteran shall submit a copy of Form DD214, or its equivalent, as part of the application process.
19. S. “Renew” means to begin again after an interval of time; to make valid again for a further period.
20. T. “Renewal date” means the deadline date upon which the license shall be made valid again for another period of time without a penalty fee.

[16.10.21.7 NMAC - N, 1/1/09; A, 10/16/13]