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Genetic counselors and legal recognition: A made‐for‐Canada approach
Author(s) -
Lambert Deborah M.,
Patrinos Dimitri,
Knoppers Bartha Maria,
Zawati Ma’n H.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
journal of genetic counseling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1573-3599
pISSN - 1059-7700
DOI - 10.1002/jgc4.1468
Subject(s) - harm , genetic counseling , constitution , delegation , order (exchange) , genetic discrimination , political science , legal profession , public relations , medicine , law , genetic testing , business , genetics , finance , biology
Genetic counseling is a fast‐growing profession in Canada. Yet, despite its growth, genetic counseling lacks legal recognition in the majority of Canadian provinces. Legal recognition serves to regulate professions, including genetic counseling, that if not properly regulated, expose the public to the risk of harm. Under Canadian law, there are three models of legal recognition: 1) the constitution of a professional order, 2) inclusion in a professional order, and 3) delegation. This paper explores the practical implications of these different models of legal recognition for genetic counselors. It focuses on the balancing act between protecting the public and the resources required to seek legal recognition under the three different models. With a small number of genetic counselors ( n = 484, with 89% found in 4 provinces) compared to other professions, the route toward professional regulation for genetic counselors can be challenging. Though legal recognition occurs at the provincial rather than federal level in Canada, we nonetheless advocate for pan‐Canadian discussions that may benefit future pursuits of legal recognition.