Section 448.9707 - Disciplinary proceedings and actions; prohibited practice(1) Subject to the rules promulgated under s. 440.03 (1), the board may make investigations and conduct hearings to determine whether a violation of this subchapter or any rule promulgated under this subchapter has occurred.(2) Subject to the rules promulgated under s. 440.03 (1), the board may reprimand a genetic counselor or may deny, limit, suspend, or revoke a license granted under this subchapter if it finds that the applicant or genetic counselor has done any of the following: (a) Made a material misstatement in an application for a license or for renewal of a license.(b) Interfered with an investigation or disciplinary proceeding by using threats, harassment, or intentional misrepresentation of facts.(c) Subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322, and 111.335, been convicted of an offense the circumstances of which substantially relate to the practice of genetic counseling.(d) Been adjudicated mentally incompetent by a court.(e) Advertised in a manner that is false, deceptive, or misleading.(f) Advertised, practiced, or attempted to practice under another's name.(g) Subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322, and 111.34, practiced or assisted in the practice of genetic counseling while the applicant's or licensee's ability to practice or assist was impaired by alcohol or other drugs.(h) Engaged in unprofessional or unethical conduct in violation of the code of ethics adopted in the rules promulgated under s. 448.9703 (1). (i) Engaged in conduct while practicing genetic counseling that evidences a lack of knowledge or ability to apply professional principles or skills.(j) Violated this subchapter or any rule promulgated under this subchapter.(3) The board shall revoke the license of a genetic counselor who has failed to maintain certification with the American Board of Genetic Counseling or whose certification with the American Board of Genetic Counseling has been revoked.(4)(a) A genetic counselor may voluntarily surrender his or her license to the board, which may refuse to accept the surrender if the board has received allegations of unprofessional conduct against the genetic counselor. The board may negotiate stipulations in consideration for accepting the surrender of licenses.(b) The board may restore a license that has been voluntarily surrendered under par. (a) on such terms and conditions as it considers appropriate.(5) The board shall prepare and disseminate to the public an annual report that describes final disciplinary action taken against genetic counselors during the preceding year.(6) The board may report final disciplinary action taken against a genetic counselor to any national database that includes information about disciplinary action taken against health care professionals.(7) A genetic counselor may not encourage an expectant parent to obtain an elective abortion. Added by Acts 2021 ch, 251,s 17, eff. 5/1/2023.