Genetic Counseling and Diagnostic Services Funding Guidelines

Genetic counseling and diagnostic services are designed to diagnose and possibly prevent a developmental disability. Services include diagnostic studies necessary to evaluate an individual's risk of giving birth to a child with a developmental disability.

Individuals may be considered for the purchase of genetic counseling and/or specific studies under the following circumstances:

• The specific genetic/diagnostic service is not covered under the individual's medical/health insurance or through Medi-Cal, California Children's Services (CCS) or any other public source of funding.
  
• The individual is determined to be at risk of having a child with a developmental disability. This may include persons who are adolescent, have a developmental delay or disability, who are homeless or have substance abuse or child abuse and neglect issues. Parents with a genetic predisposition, such as advanced maternal age or previous birth of a child with a developmental disability, may also be included.
  
• The individual has a condition known to cause mental retardation, such as PKU and other metabolic diseases which would cause such services to be clinically indicated and recommended by an approved Genetic Center or physician.

ADOPTED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS: DECEMBER, 1996