3-minute read
Genetic counseling is a specialized field that combines expert medical knowledge with compassionate care. It’s about helping individuals and families understand the complexities of genetic conditions, the risks associated with inheritable diseases and the implications of genetic test results. Genetic counselors serve as a roadmap to a person’s healthcare, treatment and overall quality of life. For years, one critical limitation existed: genetic counselors were unable to independently order genetic tests, a function traditionally reserved for medical doctors.
The passage of Senate Bill 70 marks a critical milestone for Delaware’s healthcare system. By empowering licensed genetic counselors to directly order genetic tests, the state is recognizing the vital role these professionals play in the healthcare ecosystem. This legislation is a pragmatic, patient-centered solution that promises to improve care, enhance accessibility and build a stronger, more efficient healthcare system.
As Delaware moves forward with this legislation, it serves as a reminder that healthcare must continuously evolve to meet the needs of patients, and sometimes, that means empowering the professionals who are already doing critical work. Genetic counselors are on the front lines of personalized modern medicine, and this bill ensures that they have the tools and authority to provide the best possible care for their patients.
A time-saving, patient-centered approach
Currently, if a genetic counselor determines that genetic testing is necessary, they must refer the patient to a physician, who will order the tests. This process can lead to delays and extra appointments, which may slow down diagnoses and prolong a patient’s uncertainty. With SB 70, genetic counselors will be able to act more efficiently, ensuring that patients receive the tests they need without unnecessary steps. This is particularly important for patients dealing with conditions that are time-sensitive or where early intervention can significantly improve medical outcomes.
Moreover, this change reflects the evolving nature of healthcare, particularly regarding genetics, where the boundaries between disciplines are increasingly blurred. Genetic counselors undergo years of rigorous training, and many specialize in various areas of genetics, making them well-equipped to assess, order, and interpret genetic tests. By expanding their authority, Delaware acknowledges the growing role of genetic counselors in modern healthcare.
Strengthening collaborative care
SB 70 includes crucial safeguards to ensure that collaboration remains at the heart of healthcare delivery. Dr. Nicholas Petrelli, previous medical director of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute said, “I’ve seen what genetic counseling and gene testing can do over two decades in this state, and it is one of the major reasons for the decrease in cancer and mortality in the state of Delaware. We can prevent breast cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, uterine cancer and ovarian cancer by getting detailed family histories that only genetic counselors can do. Physicians don’t have the time.”
When a genetic counselor encounters a condition that requires medical assessment, they are mandated to refer the patient to a licensed physician. This ensures that genetic counselors remain within their area of expertise while maintaining a collaborative approach to patient care.
In essence, this bill emphasizes teamwork in healthcare. Genetic counselors are experts in genetics and counseling, while physicians provide the broader medical oversight needed for complex conditions. Both professionals will continue to work together to provide the best possible care for their patients, ensuring that genetic testing and counseling are integrated seamlessly into the broader Delaware healthcare system.
Promoting health equity
The ability for genetic counselors to order genetic tests also has the potential to make genetic healthcare more accessible and equitable. For many families, especially those in underserved communities, access to genetic testing may be limited due to geographical, financial or logistical barriers. By allowing genetic counselors to order tests, the process becomes more accessible, quicker and more patient-centric, reducing the number of appointments, referrals and travel required to access testing. This is particularly important for individuals from minority groups who may already face disparities in healthcare access. Empowering genetic counselors to take on a more active role in genetic testing can ensure that all Delawareans have a better chance at receiving timely and relevant genetic care.
A forward-looking investment in public health
By expanding the scope of practice for genetic counselors, Delaware is investing in a forward-looking healthcare model that embraces new technologies, empowers healthcare professionals, and prioritizes the needs of patients. Delaware will be the 18th state to start this initiative, joining in the significant step forward on how genetic services are delivered to residents of Delaware. This bill not only addresses the current needs of the healthcare system but also sets the stage for future innovation in genetic counseling. With the rapid pace of advancements in genetics and genomics, the role of genetic counselors is expected to grow in importance. Their expertise will be crucial in guiding patients through an increasingly complex landscape of genetic testing, treatment options and preventative care.
State Sen. Nicole Poore represents Delaware’s 12th Senate District.
link