Pennsylvania Association
of Genetic Counselors
News & Announcements
The Professional Issues Committee is excited to share that SB 535 and SB 536, the bills that would allow licensed genetic counselors in Pennsylvania to order genetic testing, were passed in the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously on Tuesday, October 6, 2026!
While we are elated to have (finally) reached this point, there is still significant work to be done. Time is very limited, as this legislative session will end in just a few weeks. For these bills to become law, they must now be considered and passed by the House before the end of this term. If that does not happen, the process will reset and the legislation will need to be reintroduced and passed by both the Senate (again) and House the next session.
We need your help now more than ever. If you have a personal or professional connection to a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, we strongly encourage you to reach out and share the importance of these bills. Please encourage them to support and prioritize movement of SB 535 and SB 536 through the House as quickly as possible.
Members of the Professional Issues Committee are available to provide any helpful background information on the bills, talking points, or sample language to assist in these conversations.
We are so close to getting these bills passed, but we need one final push to get them across the finish line.
You can contact Becky (Chair of the PI committee) at rsbelles@geisinger.edu with any questions.
September 2026
Newsletter Issue
CEU Webinar Series
Funded by the Warren Alpert Foundation
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University of Pennsylvania
Genetic Counseling Program
awarded grant to increase diversity
in student enrollment
Warren Alpert Foundation awards $9.5 Million grant to
the University of Pennsylvania for scholarships to incoming students. Scholarships include tuition and living expenses. Four other genetic counseling programs are participating in awarding scholarships. UPenn Program Director, Kathy Valverde, is the P.I.
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About PAGC
We are a 501 (c)(6) non-profit organization that supports the professional growth of the genetic counseling community in Pennsylvania. There are great opportunities on the horizon for those who would like to volunteer their time and experience to support the needs of genetic counselors in our state. Please explore our site to get to know us and visit our Membership Page for more information about how you can get involved.
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PAGC values diversity and inclusion as core tenets to the field of genetic counseling. PAGC promotes the use of language that is conscious of these principles and encourages all members of the genetic counseling community to engage in language that is acceptable.
Resources for learning about fluidity in gender identity if you are looking for more information:
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Barnes H, Morris E, Austin J. Trans-inclusive genetic counseling services: Recommendations from members of the transgender and non-binary community. J Genet Couns. 2020 Jun;29(3):423-434. doi: 10.1002/jgc4.1187. Epub 2019 Nov 11. PMID: 31710150; LINK to article
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von Vaupel-Klein AM, Walsh RJ. Considerations in genetic counseling of transgender patients: Cultural competencies and altered disease risk profiles. J Genet Couns. 2021;30(1):98-109. doi:10.1002/jgc4.1372; LINK to article
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Sheehan E, Bennett RL, Harris M, Chan-Smutko G. Assessing transgender and gender non-conforming pedigree nomenclature in current genetic counselors' practice: The case for geometric inclusivity. J Genet Couns. 2020 Dec;29(6):1114-1125. doi: 10.1002/jgc4.1256. Epub 2020 Mar 30. PMID: 32232917; LINK to article
PAGC Membership
PAGC was formed to promote genetics education, foster professional development, encourage communication and facilitate access to services in the state of Pennsylvania. Professional membership, participation in conferences and webinars, and volunteer support are crucial to our success!
