Section 40-84-110 - [Multiple versions](A) In addition to other grounds provided in Section 40-1-110, the board, after notice and hearing, may restrict or refuse to grant a license to an applicant and may refuse to renew the license of a licensed person, and may suspend, revoke, or otherwise restrict the license of a licensed person who: (1) requests, receives, participates, or engages, directly or indirectly, in the dividing, transferring, assigning, rebating, or refunding of fees received for professional services or profits by means of a credit or other valuable consideration including, but not limited to, wages, an unearned commission, discount, or gratuity with a person who referred a patient, or with a relative or business associate of the referring person;(2) has treated or undertaken to treat human ailments otherwise than by a genetic counselor or has practiced genetic counseling and failed to refer to a licensed medical doctor a patient whose medical condition should have been determined at the time of evaluation or treatment to be beyond the scope of practice of a genetic counselor; or(3) knowingly aided, assisted, procured, or advised a person to practice genetic counseling contrary to this chapter or to regulations promulgated by the board pursuant to this chapter or knowingly performed an act which aids, assists, procures, or advises an unlicensed person to practice genetic counseling.(B)(1) An act or omission by a licensee causing the denial, revocation, suspension, or restriction of a license to practice genetic counseling in another state is sufficient for the issuance of a formal complaint and the commencement of disciplinary proceedings as provided in this section. Proof of an act or omission may be shown by a copy of the transcript of record of the disciplinary proceedings in another state or a copy of the final order, consent order, or similar order stating the basis for the action taken. This subsection only applies when the disciplinary action taken in another state is based on grounds that would constitute grounds for disciplinary action under subsection (A) and Section 40-1-110.(2) Upon the filing of an initial complaint alleging that a licensee has been disciplined in another state, the licensee must submit to the board copies of all transcripts, documents, and orders used, relied upon, or issued by the licensing authority in the other state. Failure to submit these items within ninety days of the board's request results in the suspension of the individual's license to practice genetic counseling in this State until all of the items have been provided to the board.(3) A licensee may present mitigating testimony to the board regarding disciplinary action taken in another state or evidence that the acts or omissions committed in another state do not constitute grounds for disciplinary action under subsection (A) and Section 40-1-110.(C) A complaint may be made in writing to the board or may be made by the board on its own initiative.(D) In enforcing the provisions of this chapter, the board, upon reasonable grounds, may require a licensee or applicant to submit to a mental or physical examination performed by a physician designated by the board and including, but not limited to, urinalysis and blood work to determine the presence of drugs. The results of an examination are admissible in a hearing before the board, notwithstanding a claim or privilege under a contrary rule of law or statute. A person who accepts the privilege of practicing genetic counseling in this State is considered to have consented to submit to a mental or physical examination and to have waived all objections to the admissibility of the results in a hearing before the board upon the grounds that the same constitutes a privileged communication. If a licensee or applicant fails to submit to an examination when properly directed to do so by the board, unless the failure was due to circumstances beyond the person's control, the board shall enter an order automatically suspending or denying the license pending compliance and further order of the board. A licensee or applicant who is prohibited from practicing genetic counseling under this subsection must be afforded at reasonable intervals the opportunity to demonstrate to the board the ability to resume or begin the practice of genetic counseling with reasonable skill and safety to patients.(E) In enforcing the provisions of this chapter, the board upon reasonable grounds, may obtain records relating to the mental or physical condition of a licensee or applicant including, but not limited to, psychiatric records; and these records are admissible in a hearing before the board, notwithstanding another provision of law. A person who accepts the privilege of practicing genetic counseling in this State or who files an application to practice genetic counseling in this State is considered to have consented to the board obtaining these records and to have waived all objections to the admissibility of these records in a hearing before the board upon the grounds that the same constitutes a privileged communication. If a licensee or applicant refuses to sign a written consent for the board to obtain these records when properly requested by the board, unless the failure was due to circumstances beyond the person's control, the board shall enter an order automatically suspending or denying the license pending compliance and further order of the board. A licensee or applicant who is prohibited from practicing genetic counseling under this subsection must be afforded reasonable opportunity to demonstrate to the board the ability to resume or begin the practice of genetic counseling with reasonable skill and safety to patients.Added by 2024 S.C. Acts, Act No. 187 (SB 241),s 1, eff. 5/21/2024.This section is set out more than once due to postponed, multiple, or conflicting amendments.