The Arizona Revised Statutes have been updated to include the revised sections from the 57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session. Please note that the next update of this compilation will not take place until after the conclusion of the 58th Legislature, 1st Regular Session, which convenes in January 2027.
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This online version of the Arizona Revised Statutes is primarily maintained for legislative drafting purposes and reflects the version of law that is effective on January 1st of the year following the most recent legislative session. The official version of the Arizona Revised Statutes is published by Thomson Reuters.
32-2714 - Right of conscience; immunity; definitions
32-2714. Right of conscience; immunity; definitions
A. A genetic counselor has the right not to participate in or provide any genetic counseling that violates the genetic counselor's conscience.
B. A person may not take adverse action against a genetic counselor for declining to participate in a genetic counseling service on the basis of conscience. The licensing of a genetic counselor may not be contingent on the genetic counselor's participation in counseling or referral in counseling that violates the genetic counselor's conscience.
C. If a genetic counselor declines to participate in or provide requested genetic counseling pursuant to this section, the genetic counselor shall both:
1. Inform the patient in a timely manner that the genetic counselor is unable to provide the requested genetic counseling.
2. Offer to direct the patient to the online directory of licensed genetic counselors maintained by the board. The genetic counselor is not required to provide a referral to a specific provider or entity.
D. A genetic counselor is immune from civil, criminal and administrative liability for exercising the right of conscience with respect to genetic counseling. The immunity provided by this subsection does not extend to intentional criminal misconduct or the knowing falsification or alteration of medical records, test results or diagnostic information.
E. For the purposes of this section:
1. "Conscience" means the religious, moral or ethical beliefs or principles held by a genetic counselor.
2. "Participate" means to take part in any way in providing genetic counseling or any part of such service.