The Iowa Board of Medicine will begin accepting license applications for genetic counselors today, under a new state law that governs licensure and regulation of the profession. The new law and regulations, which became effective in January, establish educational requirements and practice standards to assure the public that genetic counselors are appropriately trained and practice within recognized standards in providing counseling and information. The board estimates that about 30 certified genetic counselors currently practice in the state. Iowa is one of about two dozen states that license these health care providers, who counsel and advise patients and their family members about hereditary health risks, the consequences and nature of an inherited disorder, the probability of developing or transmitting it, testing options, and the options available to manage and plan for the disorder. Licensed genetic counselors in Iowa will have a master’s degree through an accredited program and will be certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling or the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics. For more information about licensure, click here.