MaineGCA Advocacy
MaineGCA advocates for policies and practices that support equitable access to high-quality genetic counseling services across the state.
Our goal is to elevate the voice of genetic counselors in healthcare, promote professional recognition, and engage with policymakers, healthcare systems, and stakeholders to ensure that genetics and genomics are integrated thoughtfully and responsibly into patient care.
Through advocacy, we aim to strengthen the profession while improving outcomes for individuals and families in Maine.
Current Focus: GC Licensure
Genetic counselors are highly trained healthcare professionals who work across various specialties to help patients understand inherited conditions, facilitate genetic testing, and provide guidance on medical management.
Despite their essential role in modern healthcare, Maine does not currently license genetic counselors.
Licensure of genetic counselors will protect patients, strengthen Maine's healthcare workforce, and improve access to high-quality genetic services for Mainers.
Updates
March 3, 2026
Storming the Capitol with ACS CAN
The busy morning was a valuable learning experience as we begin thinking about the future introduction of our genetic counselor licensure bill. It provided an opportunity to better understand the legislative process, survey the current landscape, and establish initial connections with state representatives and senators. We also caught up with our lobbyists, Kate and Lisa from Bernstein Shur, and got a firsthand look at the joint committee room where much of the work on our future bill will take place.
On March 3rd, Jenna, Emma, and Steph joined an energized group of volunteers with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network to meet with lawmakers on behalf of Maine cancer patients and their loved ones. We connected with our state legislators to request their support for two important bills: LD 107, An Act to Require Health Insurance Coverage for Biomarker Testing, and LD 2129, An Act to Prohibit Liens on Principal Residences and Wage Garnishments for Medical Debt.
Main takeaways: It will be important to lay the foundation for our bill through direct and intentional outreach to key stakeholders — and the State House uses a lot of paper.