AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 2 of section 43-60-02 and subsection 1 of section 43-60-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the ordering of genetic testing by genetic counselors and examinations required for genetic counseling licensure.
SB 2040 updates North Dakota's laws governing genetic counselors. It changes rules allowing genetic counselors to order genetic tests directly and revises the exam requirements needed to become licensed. This directly affects licensed genetic counselors practicing in North Dakota by clarifying their scope of practice and licensure process. The bill, now law after being signed by the Governor on March 17, 2025, makes these specific policy changes without altering patient access or healthcare costs.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Jan 2025
House Passage
Mar 2025
Signed into Law
Mar 2025
Introduced Jan 7, 2025
Signed Mar 18, 2025
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What changed between versions
INTRODUCED
→
Enrollment
·
4 edits
MODERATE
This bill amends North Dakota laws to allow licensed genetic counselors to order genetic testing under specific conditions and updates licensure requirements for genetic counselors. The changes establish that genetic counselors must coordinate with licensed healthcare providers for testing orders and clarify that counselors cannot practice medicine or treat patients directly.
Scope change
The bill expands the scope of practice for genetic counselors by permitting them to order genetic testing, but only when coordinated with or supervised by a licensed healthcare provider.
REQUIREMENT
Genetic counselors may now order genetic testing only when done in coordination with or by a licensed North Dakota healthcare provider who maintains supervision of patient care.
Genetic counselors must refer clients to a licensed medical provider if they identify any disease or condition requiring medical assessment or treatment.
ELIGIBILITY
Licensure requirements now include specific education credentials (Master's from ABGC-accredited program or Doctoral from ABMG-accredited program) and certification exam completion within four to five years with no more than three attempts.
DEFINITION
Clarifies that genetic counselors cannot practice medicine, including treatment or medical management of patients.
Floor votes · Senate Jan 14, 2025 · House Mar 10, 2025
How they voted
47–0
Passed
Total votes 47
Jan 14, 2025
D
Democratic5
100% Yea
R
Republican42
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
15
Key actions
7
Committee
4
Mar 20, 2025
Introduced
Filed with Secretary Of State 03/18
legislature
Mar 18, 2025
Signed into law
Signed by Governor 03/17
upper
Mar 10, 2025
Lower · Passed
Second reading, passed, yeas 91 nays 2
lower
Mar 7, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported back, do pass, place on calendar 11 0 2
lower
Mar 5, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee Hearing 11:00
lower
Feb 13, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, first reading, referred Human Services Committee
lower
Jan 14, 2025
Upper · Passed
Second reading, passed, yeas 47 nays 0
upper
Jan 13, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported back, do pass, place on calendar 6 0 0
upper
Jan 8, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee Hearing 09:00
upper
Jan 7, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, first reading, referred Human Services Committee
upper
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
No sponsor information available.
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