A.R.S. § 32-2702: Board of genetic counselors; membership; appointment; terms; immunity; compensation

A. The board of genetic counselors is established consisting of the following members who are appointed by the governor:

1. Five genetic counselors who hold active certification in good standing with the American board of genetic counseling and, beginning January 1, 2028, who hold an active license pursuant to this chapter and who have not previously been subject to disciplinary action as a health professional in this state or any other jurisdiction. The governor may seek input and nominations before the governor makes these appointments.

2. Two public members.

3. One physician who is actively engaged in the practice of medicine, who is licensed pursuant to chapter 13 of this title and who interacts professionally with genetic counselors.

4. One physician who is actively engaged in the practice of medicine, who is licensed pursuant to chapter 17 of this title and who interacts professionally with genetic counselors.

B. Before appointment by the governor, a prospective member of the board shall submit a full set of fingerprints to the governor for the purpose of obtaining a state and federal criminal records check pursuant to section 41-1750 and Public Law 92-544. The department of public safety may exchange this fingerprint data with the federal bureau of investigation.

C. The term of office of members of the board is four years to begin and end on September 1.

D. Each board member is eligible for appointment to not more than two full terms, except that the term of office for a member who is appointed to fill a vacancy that is not caused by the expiration of a full term is for the unexpired portion of that term, and the governor may reappoint that member to not more than two additional full terms. Each board member may continue to hold office until the appointment and qualification of that member's successor. The governor may remove a member after notice and a hearing on a finding of malfeasance, misfeasance or incompetence in office, unprofessional or dishonorable conduct in office or unprofessional or dishonorable conduct. A board member's violation of section 32-2714 is grounds for removal from the board. The governor shall appoint a qualified replacement to fill a vacant position for the unexpired portion of the term.

E. A board member's term automatically ends:

1. On written resignation submitted to the board chairperson or to the governor.

2. If the member is absent from this state for more than six months during a one-year period.

3. If the member fails to attend three consecutive regular board meetings.

4. Five years after retirement from active practice, if applicable.

F. Board members are immune from civil liability for all good faith actions taken pursuant to this chapter.

G. Board members are eligible to receive compensation in the amount of $200 for each day of actual service in the business of the board and for all expenses necessary and properly incurred in attending board meetings.