HARRISBURG, PA – October 6, 2026 – The Pennsylvania Senate today unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Senator Lisa M. Boscola (D-Northampton), Senate Bills 535 and 536, which would allow licensed genetic counselors in Pennsylvania to directly order genetic tests.
The two-bill package updates both the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act and the Medical Practice Act, removing outdated restrictions that currently delay patient care and increase costs.
Pennsylvania is the only state with genetic counselor licensure that explicitly prohibits these highly trained professionals from ordering genetic tests,” Boscola said. “We already trust genetic counselors to assess genetic risk, determine what testing may be appropriate and guide patients through the process. It simply makes sense to allow them to order the tests they are specifically trained to evaluate.”
Pennsylvania remains one of the few states that explicitly prohibits licensed genetic counselors from ordering genetic tests, despite their advanced education and clinical training.
“For patients and families looking for answers, an unnecessary extra step can mean more waiting, more appointments and more frustration,” Boscola added. “This is a simple, commonsense change that removes that barrier and allows qualified genetic counselors to fully use their expertise to better serve their patients.”
The legislation has received broad support from the medical community, including the Pennsylvania Medical Society, the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association, St. Luke’s University Health Network, Penn State Health, and patient advocacy groups like the PA Breast Cancer Coalition.
The bills now move to the State House for its consideration.
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