Section 1251.100  Continuing Education

a)         Continuing Education Hour Requirements

1)         Every renewal applicant shall complete 30 contact hours of continuing education (CE) relevant to the practice of genetic counseling during the pre-renewal period.  A pre-renewal period is the 24 months preceding January 31 of each odd-numbered year.

2)         A renewal applicant is not required to comply with CE requirements for the first renewal following the original issuance of the license.

3)         Genetic counselors licensed in Illinois but residing and practicing in other states must comply with the CE requirements set forth in this Section.

b)         Approved Continuing Education

1)         All continuing education hours must be earned by verified attendance at, or participation in, a program that is offered by an approved continuing education sponsor who meets the requirements set forth in subsection (c) of this Section. Verified attendance can include participation in programs offered online by approved CE sponsors.

2)         Continuing education credit hours used to satisfy the CE requirements of another state may be submitted for approval for fulfillment of CE requirements of the State of Illinois.

3)         Credit shall not be given for courses taken in Illinois from unapproved sponsors.

c)         Approved continuing education sponsors and programs, as used in this Section, shall mean:

1)         The American Counseling Association;

2)         The American Board of Genetic Counselors;

3)         The American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics;

4)         The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC); or

5)         Any other entity approved by the Division.

d)         Continuing education requirements for Sexual Harassment Prevention and Implicit Bias Awareness Trainings:  for all license renewals after the first renewal and restorations occurring on or after January 1, 2025; a genetic counselor shall be required to complete mandatory trainings of at least one-hour regarding Sexual harassment Prevention, as provided in the Illinois Human Rights Act [775 ILCS 5/2-109] and 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.400; and of at least one-hour regarding Implicit Bias Awareness, as provided in the Department of Professional Regulation Law [20 ILCS 2105/2105-15.7] and 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.500.  These trainings must be repeated for each renewal period after the first renewal and count towards the total CE required for renewals and restorations.

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 8307, effective June 5, 2025)