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MississippiSB 26992025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Patient's Right to Informed Health Care Choices Act & prohibitions against deceptive advertising by providers; delete repealers on.

Sponsored By: Hob Bryan (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Public Health and Human ServicesPublic Health and Welfare

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 6 mixed.

Genetic counselors face new licensing rules

The Mississippi State Board of Health must establish genetic counselor licensing by January 1, 2026. Counselors practicing on July 1, 2025, can continue until licensing is established; afterward, practice and protected titles require a license, subject to exemptions. Standard applicants need qualifying ABGC or ABMG certification, bachelor's and master's degrees, an application, and a board-set fee. The Board may accept substantially equivalent out-of-state credentials or an experience route requiring at least 10 years' work before July 1, 2025. That route requires a specified degree, recommendation letters, and continuing education records; regular licenses last two years and require a renewal application and fee.

Patients get clearer provider license information

Mississippi health care ads that name a practitioner must state the practitioner's license type and cannot mislead patients. The law removes the scheduled repeal of these rules. Practitioners must also clearly display their license type in offices where they provide care and interact directly with patients. Settings without direct patient contact are exempt from the posting rule.

Genetic counselor candidates get supervised licenses

Applicants with active candidate status can seek a provisional genetic counselor license through an approved application and board-set fee. They must work under the general supervision of a licensed genetic counselor or physician. The license lasts one year, with one additional year available after a failed certification exam. It expires upon full licensure, 30 days after a failed exam, or on its printed expiration date.

Genetic counselors need training for renewal

Genetic counselors renewing a license must document 12.5 hours of qualifying continuing education since issuance or their last renewal. The requirement is prorated for the license period. After a written request, the Board may waive the requirement or extend the deadline for good cause, including emergency or hardship.

Genetic counseling violations carry new penalties

The State Board of Health must set genetic counselor rules and ethics standards based on the national genetic counseling society's code. It must share adopted rules with licensees within 60 days. The Board can investigate misconduct and, after a hearing, deny, suspend, or revoke licenses; it can seek court orders against unlicensed practice. Reinstatement after revocation is discretionary and cannot occur for at least one year. A conviction for violating any provision of the genetic counseling chapter brings up to a $1,000 fine, six months in county jail, or both.

Provider violations can bring patient refunds

Each day a practitioner violates the Act counts as a separate offense, with professional discipline and court orders available. Boards may refund affected patients' payments, including money collected by third parties; refunds depend on the board's decision. Licensees cannot knowingly help unauthorized practice or arrange care when they know, or should know, providers lack required authority. Advertising discipline continues for chiropractors, dentists, dental hygienists, nurses, optometrists, pharmacists, physician assistants, podiatrists, and veterinarians. The law removes their July 1, 2025 repeal dates or June 30, 2025 end dates; physician assistant rules must include advertising discipline.

Some genetic services stay license-exempt

Other state-licensed professionals can provide genetic services within their scope and training, but cannot call themselves genetic counselors. Federal genetic counselors are exempt only when working solely under their employer's direction and control. Students in ABGC-accredited programs can provide services as part of their studies when identified as genetic counseling interns. An assigned licensed genetic counselor must directly supervise them and be on duty and available in the patient care area. Nonresident counselors with current out-of-state licenses can practice in Mississippi for no more than five total days per calendar year.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Hob Bryan

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 219 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/20/2025

Concurred in Amend From House

Yes: 50 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/10/2025

Passed As Amended

Yes: 118 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/13/2025

Passed

Yes: 51 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor

    3/28/2025legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/24/2025House

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/24/2025Senate

  4. Concurred in Amend From House

    3/20/2025Senate

  5. Returned For Concurrence

    3/11/2025House

  6. Passed As Amended

    3/10/2025House

  7. Amended

    3/10/2025House

  8. Title Suff Do Pass As Amended

    2/27/2025House

  9. Referred To Public Health and Human Services

    2/17/2025House

  10. Transmitted To House

    2/14/2025Senate

  11. Passed

    2/13/2025Senate

  12. Title Suff Do Pass

    2/4/2025Senate

  13. Referred To Public Health and Welfare

    1/20/2025Senate

Bill Text

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