CLEAR

Changes proposed to Libyan health system

A report from the Libyan Healthcare Society USA proposes major changes to the Libyan health system.  Currently, authority to deliver, regulate and finance healthcare rests with the Ministry of Health, and the report argues that this conflict of roles leads to inefficiency and compromises in the quality of health care.  The report suggests a system similar to the US with professional licensing boards to which all medical professionals would be accountable, accreditation and certification boards to set academic standards, and professional associations to represent the interests of the practitioners.

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Florida: website to verify contractor's license

A new website has been launched in Florida, iCheckContractors.com, to allow consumers to verify a contractor's license, workers' comp insurance and corporate status.  The service costs $89 for a full report.

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Discuss the topic of technology's role in public protection on CLEAR's Discussion Forum.

Indiana: licensing bills vetoed

Indiana Governor Mike Pence has issued the first vetoes of his administration over two licensing bills.  House Enrolled Act 1242 would have required licensing for diabetes educators, and Senate Enrolled Act 273 would have required licensing for anesthesiologist assistants and dietitians and certification for music therapists.  Both bills passed the legislature with strong majorities.  Pence indicated that regulation of these professions would create barriers to the marketplace and restrict competition.  There is still a chance that the legislature could override the vetoes.

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New Jersey: best practices for pharmacy security

A joint effort of the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy and the Division of Consumer Affairs has produced a guidance document on Best Practices in Pharmacy Security, offering security measures for retail pharmacies.  The document provides secure storage guidelines, security system guidelines and inventory guidelines, and suggests that pharmacists register with the New Jersey Prescription Monitoring Program.

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Nevada medical marijuana legislation introduced; calls for regulation of 65 dispensaries

Nevada Senate Bill 374, which "provides for the registration of medical marijuana establishments authorized to cultivate or dispense marijuana or manufacture products containing marijuana for sale to persons authorized to engage in the medical use of marijuana" has been introduced, with bi-partisan support. If successful, the legislation will provide for the licensing of 65 dispensaries in Nevada, 40 of which will be located in Southern Nevada.

Senate Bill 374.

Study rates American states by "occupational licensing freedom"

The Mercatus Center at George Mason University has released its third Freedom In The 50 States, An Index of Personal and Economic Freedom study, which ranks American states in the way they "promote freedom in the fiscal, regulatory, and personal realms." As part of the overall study, the report highlights "occupational licensing freedom" and ranks each state on this basis. Included in the report on each state are policy recommendations, many of which relate to occupational licensing. For example, Nevada's recommendations include the following: "Change licensing to certification (or no state role) for professionals such as ... farm labor contractors, clinical laboratory directors, environmental health specialists, title plant owners, counselors, interior designers, sign language interpreters, audiologists, pharmacy technicians, opticians, veterinary technicians, massage therapists, security guards, landscaping contractors, makeup artists, and crane and tower operators."

Report.

Discuss the topic of deregulation on CLEAR's Disussion Forum

Canadian Society calls for regulation of medical laboratory assistants

The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) has issued a call for medical laboratory assistants (MLAs) to be regulated across Canada. CSMLS contends that regulation would define the scope of practice for the profession, adopt a common entry to practice standard, and establish standards for continuing professional development. MLAs typically sort, prepare and may process samples that will be tested and analyzed by medical laboratory technologists. Heather Autio, president of the CSMLS, said "MLAs are often the front line of the diagnostic process," adding "The work they do will affect all of the diagnostic testing and analysis that will happen further down the chain. Their impact, therefore, can hugely affect patient care, either positively or negatively."

CSMLS position paper.

Delaware AG proposes prescription drug legislation: limiting doses; increasing penalties for diversion

Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden intends to make it a felony to divert painkillers and other controlled drugs prescribed for patients in a variety of healthcare facilities. Also mentioned in the speech announcing measures to address the diversion and abuse of prescription drugs, Mr. Biden said he will propose a three-day limit on controlled drugs that doctors and nurse practitioners can dispense at emergency rooms, offices or clinics. Doctors would further have to document such doses in the prescription monitoring database started in the state last year. Currently, only pharmacists who fill prescriptions have to enter such information into the database.

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Oregon House approves "natural hair care bill," providing exemption from state barbering requirements

Oregon's House of Representatives unanimously approved House Bill 3409, which would exempt natural hair care practitioners from the state's barbering requirements. Instead, practitioners would be required to complete an online certification course. Representative Alissa Keny-Guyver, who introduced the legislation, said the existing requirement "creates a barrier for many people, especially for Africans and African-Americans who have learned this from generations before them," adding that "Going to Washington [state] or practicing underground results in lost income tax revenue for our state." The bill now heads to the state Senate.

Professional Beauty Association launches campaign against deregulation: "I am a professional, I am licensed."

The Professional Beauty Association has launched a new "movement" to educate lawmakers and prevent deregulation. "I am a professional, I am licensed"  encourages beauty professionals to: "Share your pride. Let your clients know that licensed professionals:
-Complete hundreds of hours of schooling
-Learn proper techniques and best practices
-Graduate from a cosmetology program
-Successfully pass their state board exam
-Practice proper sanitation procedures to minimize the threat of viral and bacterial infections
-Care about the industry and the safety of their clients!"