La responsabilité civile des conseillers en génétique au Québec et les conséquences juridiques de la non-reconnaissance : vers un encadrement juridique?
In recent decades, genetic counselors have played an increasingly important role in the field of medical genetics. Today, their contribution and the importance of their role are indisputable. Their legal status, however, remains uncertain and requires further analysis. Indeed, not being recognized by the Professional Code of Quebec, the practice of genetic counselors is consequently deprived of the protection granted by this Code to other professionals, notably the exclusivity of their titles and acts. Given this status quo and with the aim of protecting the public, a study of the civil liability of genetic counselors becomes necessary. Three main duties of genetic counselors emerge from this analysis: the duty to proficiency, the duty to inform, and the duty of confidentiality. Moreover, there are several legal consequences for non-recognition of this emerging profession. Indeed, the inaction of the Quebec legislator has resulted in a confusing relationship between the genetic counselor and the other members of the multidisciplinary team, especially with regard to the delimitation of services which the counselor can provide. Indeed, the latter may infringe on certain aspects of the medical practice and nursing, thereby engendering his penal liability. This situation leads us to foreign jurisdictions in an effort to find possible solutions which can be transposed in Quebec. The situation in France comes as a relevant example, since the French legislature has legally recognized the genetic counselor as a professional and has protected his title as well as the exclusivity of his practice.
Genetic counselors Civil Liability Medical practice Nursing Duty to proficiency Duty to inform Duty of confidentiality Penal liability