A Genetic Services Practice Model: Advanced Practice Nurse and Genetic Counselor Team

Genomics or the interaction of one's genes and the environment is changing our concept of health and disease, available therapies, use of genetic testing, and related societal ramifications. As genomics integrates into all aspects of health care, the demand will increase for meaningful interpretation and application of the new genetic information. To meet this demand, new service delivery models must be considered. Nurse practitioners and genetic counselors are midlevel providers that can, together, provide clinical evaluation, case management, follow-up, and the genetic counseling aspects of a comprehensive medical genetics consultation. Midlevel providers working with a medical geneticist can expand access to this level of expertise, thereby reaching more patients and consumers. This nurse practitioner–genetic counselor practice model is described in the context of a rural setting.