The board may issue a license to an applicant who fulfills the following requirements.

1. A. Completes an application for which the applicant has supplied all information and correspondence requested by the board on forms and in a manner acceptable to the board. Applications are valid for one (1) year from the date of receipt. While an application is pending, the applicant is responsible for providing the board with any changes to the submitted information or to the applicant’s oath. Applications shall require the following documentation:

   (1) demographic information of the applicant;

   (2) educational history;

   (3) employment history;

   (4) professional references;

   (5) examination information;

   (6) certification information;

   (7) other state licensure information;

   (8) professional practice questions;

   (9) applicant’s oath;

   (10) passport-quality color photograph taken within six (6) months prior to filing the application; approximate size 2 x 2 inches, head and shoulders only, full face, front view, plain white or off-white background, standard photo stock paper; and, scanned or computer-generated photographs should have no visible pixels or dots; and

   (11) applicant’s signature.

2. B. Each applicant for licensure as a genetic counselor shall submit the required fees as established in 16.10.9 NMAC.
3. C. Verification of licensure in all states or territories where the applicant holds or has held a license to engage in the practice of genetic counseling, or other health care profession, shall be sent directly to the board by the other state board(s), and shall include a raised seal, attest to the current status, issue date, license number, and other information requested and contained on the form.
4. D. Proof of certification from the ABGC, ABMG or as approved by the board, shall be sent directly to the board by the certifying entity. The board may accept hard copy by United States postal service, facsimile or electronic mail.
5. E. Verification of all work experience in the last five (5) years since graduation, if applicable, provided directly to the board from the employer, by letter or on forms provided by the board.

6. F. Proof of graduation from a genetic counseling educational program, evidenced by:

   (1) a master’s degree from a genetic counseling training program prior to 1997; or

   (2) a master’s degree from a genetic counseling training program that is accredited by the ABGC, or an equivalent program as approved by the board; or

   (3) a doctoral degree from a medical genetics training program that is accredited by the ABMG, or an equivalent program as determined by the board.

   (4) Proof of graduation means official transcripts from a college or university. The applicant shall make arrangements for official transcripts to be sent directly to the board by the educational institution. If official transcripts are not available due to school closure, destroyed records, etc., the applicant shall provide satisfactory evidence to the board that the required genetic counseling educational program has been met for consideration on a case-by-case basis.

7. G. Initial license period. The applicant who has met all the requirements for licensure shall be issued an initial license for a period of not more than twenty-four (24) months or less than thirteen (13) months, depending on when in the renewal cycle the initial license is issued, in order to schedule the license to renew on March 1.
8. H. Initial license expiration. Genetic counselor licenses shall be renewed biennially on March 1 as established in Section 12 of this part.

9. I. All applicants for initial licensure as a genetic counselor are subject to a state and national criminal history screening at their expense. All applicants shall submit two (2) full sets of fingerprints, completed fingerprint certificate form, signed authorization for criminal background screening and background screening fee at the time of application.

   (1) Applications for licensure shall not be processed without submission of fingerprints, completed fingerprint certificate form, signed authorization for criminal background screening and fee.

   (2) Applications shall be processed pending the completion of the nationwide criminal background screening and may be granted while the screening is still pending.

   (3) If the criminal background screening reveals a felony or a violation of the Medical Practice Act, the applicant/licensee shall be notified to submit copies of legal documents and other related information to the board, which shall make the determination if the applicant is eligible for licensure or if disciplinary action will be taken. Questions of felony or misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude directly related to employment in the profession need to be resolved satisfactorily. If the prior conviction does not relate to employment in the profession, the board may require proof that the person has been sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the public trust. Proof of sufficient rehabilitation may include, but not be limited to: certified proof of completion of probation or parole, payment of fees, community service or any other court ordered sanction.

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