Conscience clause.

This part may not be construed to require any genetic counselor to participate in counseling that conflicts with his or her deeply held moral or religious beliefs. The licensing of a genetic counselor may not be contingent upon participation in such counseling. A counselor’s refusal to participate in counseling that conflicts with his or her deeply held moral or religious beliefs may not form the basis for any claim of damages or for any disciplinary action against the genetic counselor, provided the genetic counselor informs the patient that he or she will not participate in such counseling and offers to direct the patient to the online health care practitioner license verification database maintained by the department.