Advanced Ethical Decision-Making Across the Lifespan in Genetic Counseling

This course is designed for practicing genetic counselors seeking more advanced training in how to navigate ethical issues that may arise across the lifespan. Through expert-led presentations and case-based discussions in prenatal/fertility, pediatric, adult, and end of life settings, participants will strengthen their ability to identify ethical scenarios and evaluate potential next steps to navigate them.

Presented by:

1. Jordan Brown, MA, MS, CGC
2. Ashley F Spector, MS, CGC
3. Chaya N. Murali, MD, FACMG
4. Ashleigh Hansen, MSc, LCGC, CCGC
5. Taylor Berninger, MS, MA, MEd, CGC
6. Colleen Wherley, MS,CGC

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore various ethical principles and the framework they provide for genetic counseling practice.
2. Demonstrate and discuss different considerations for navigating ethical cases in the prenatal/fertility, pediatric, adult, and end of life setting.
3. Identify and discuss resources genetic counselors can utilize to navigate ethical scenarios including the including the NSGC Code of Ethics, NSGC’s Ethics Advisory Group, and local ethics advisory boards.
4. Consider how pre-implantation genetic testing ethical questions are understood through ethical principles.
5. Discuss various ethical principles involved in consideration of carrier screening in pediatric patients.
6. Review core tenants of medical ethics as they apply to diagnostic and predictive testing in adults with or at risk of neurodegeneration.
7. Identify evolving complexities and nuances of genetic counseling and testing in the predictive neurodegenerative space.
8. Apply principles to practical case examples.
9. Identify key ethical dilemmas related to end-of-life care and medical aid in dying for individuals with genetic disorders.
10. Compare principlism with alternative ethical frameworks (care, narrative, virtue, and justice ethics) and explain their relevance to clinical genetic counseling.
11. Apply a pluralistic ethical approach by identifying how different frameworks highlight distinct moral questions in genetic counseling scenarios.

Genetic Counselor CEUs:

The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) has authorized National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) to offer up to .19 CEUs or 1.91 Category 1 contact hours for activity, Advanced Ethical Decision-Making Across the Lifespan in Genetic Counseling. The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) will accept CEUs earned at this program for the purposes of genetic counselor recertification. 

Successful Completion:

1. View recordings
2. Pass quiz
3. Complete evaluation