Adam Anderson’s push for more genetic counselors in Florida clears first hurdle

Rep. Adam Anderson has successfully ushered through its first committee stop legislation that would address a shortage of genetic counselors and strengthen the state’s capacity for advanced medical care and genetic research.

Anderson’s bill (HB 1115) cleared the Careers and Workforce Subcommittee. It would establish the Genetic Counseling Education Enhancement Grant Program within Florida’s State University System to support the development of American Board of Genetic Counseling-accredited graduate-level genetic counseling programs to eliminate Florida’s status as a genetic counseling desert.

“The need for health care professionals in the Sunshine State cannot be understated,” Anderson said.

“But specialization is the true hurdle for families praying for the next innovation that will help their child. Genetic counselors guiding difficult diagnoses are in short supply. However, Florida aims to right-set our specialization efforts at the intersection between education and employment. We’re standing by Florida families and those students willing to take the next step.”

With just 179 licensed genetic counselors in the state, patient demand is not being met. Genetic counselors guide families facing complex genetic diagnoses, and they serve as essential partners in research, innovation and precision medicine.

Sen. Danny Burgess is sponsoring an identical measure (SB 1376) in the upper chamber, though it has not yet been heard in committee. Still, he celebrated initial support for the measure in the House.

“This is legislation every Floridian can get behind,” Burgess said. “Developing our workforce is step one, but retaining specialized genetic counselors in the State of Florida to help Floridians is the entire picture. Aid shouldn’t be a state away. This grant program realizes that comfort and care for Florida families should be available within Florida.”

The bill would allow grant funds to be used to recruit and retain qualified faculty, provide financial aid to students, and establish or expand clinical rotations required to obtain a master’s degree in genetic counseling. The funds would be barred from use for general administrative costs, new facility construction and non-program-related activities.

Participating universities under the bill would be required to maintain detailed compliance records and submit annual reports on expenditures and program outcomes. The state Board of Governors would then compile the information from reports into a statewide submission.

“The progress Representative Anderson has ignited is contagious. Florida is on the cusp of developing a genetic counseling workforce that meets a crucial need for families facing uncertainty,” said Dr. Pradeep Bhide, Director of the Florida State University Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases. “FSU is all for it.”

Under Bhide’s leadership, the Institute is developing a new master’s degree program in genetic counseling.

Currently, the University of South Florida is the only state school with an active genetic counseling program, with FSU’s program awaiting approval.

“New education programs are what drive the innovations and patient care required to address complex genetic issues. Rep. Anderson and the State of Florida have time and time again seen the value in the educational framework that leads to great progress,” said Charles J. Lockwood, executive vice president at USF Health and dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.

“USF Health has long understood the need for genetic counselors in Florida, and we are excited at the prospect of further collaboration with Florida’s other universities.”

Anderson’s bill heads next to the Higher Education Budget Subcommittee. If approved by the full Legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the measure would take effect July 1.