Rep. Cervania files bill to establish genetic counselors licensure board in North Carolina House

A new bill filed by State Rep. Maria Cervania seeks to regulate genetic counseling by establishing a licensure board to oversee qualifications, practice standards, and disciplinary actions in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 697 on April 2 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘NC Genetic Counselors Workforce Act.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill establishes the Genetic Counselors Licensure Board in North Carolina to regulate the practice of genetic counseling. It defines qualifications for licensure, including age, certification by the American Board of Genetic Counseling, and submission of a criminal history record. The Board is responsible for setting licensure fees, renewing licenses, and disciplining licensees. It also outlines the scope of practice for genetic counselors, prohibiting the diagnosis and treatment of patients without consultation with a referring provider. The bill mandates continuing education requirements and details grounds for disciplinary actions. It provides exemptions for certain professionals and establishes penalties for unlicensed practice, introducing steps for appeals and specifying which information should remain confidential. The act takes effect on Oct. 1, 2026.

A related bill, SB 668, was also filed in the North Carolina Senate, introduced by Sen. Benton G. Sawrey (and one other) on March 25, 2025.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Grant L. Campbell, MD proposed the most bills (50) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Cervania graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a BA.

Cervania, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 41st House district, replacing previous state representative Gale Adcock.