CLEAR

ERAC Q&A series: What is scaling and why is it used?

No matter how accurately examination forms are assembled to reflect a specific degree of difficulty, there is always some variability.  The goal is to make certain that subsequent forms have the same degree of difficulty as the original form, but this is not always possible.  For that reason, a standard scale for reporting results is used.  Suppose one candidate takes a relatively easy examination and receives a raw score of 82.  During another administration, a candidate takes a relatively difficult version of the same examination and receives a raw score of 77.  Is the first candidate more competent than the second? Read more.

Colorado: no athletic trainers board

Citing two Department of Regulatory Agencies sunrise reports recommending against licensure for athletic trainers, Governor Ritter has vetoed a bill seeking establishment of a separate licensing program. Currently, athletic trainers operate under rules set forth by the state medical board. Read Governor Ritter's press release on the veto.

CLEAR: Online Legislative Resources for Regulators

One of the most often-asked questions of CLEAR is what other jurisdictions are doing in various areas of interest. We often turn to online resources that help us respond to these inquiries. CLEAR also receives inquiries regarding the slow, but steady long-term move toward global standards setting in professions. Now, CLEAR News Online readers have these resources available to them in one handy reference page - CLEAR's Online Legislative Resources for Regulators.

British Columbia: health regulatory reform update

As part of its ongoing reform of health professions, on May 3, 2007, the British Columbia Ministry of Health released the proposed Speech and Hearing Health Professionals Regulation, which will designate audiology, speech-language pathology and hearing instrument dispensing as three distinct professions within a single college. This follows the November 2006 release of regulations for chiropracters, dentists, medical practitioners and pharmacists.  Read more.

Missouri: midwives legalized in insurance bill; furor results

While finalizing a large health insurance bill, State Senator John Loudon slipped in a phrase allowing provision of service by any person with a "tocological certification." He did not explain to his peers that this phrase, referring to childbirth, would legalize the practice of midwifery in the state. The bill passed both houses, was signed by the governor, and Senator Loudon was quickly removed as chair of the Small Business, Insurance and Industrial Relations Committee for his action. More:
A stealth bill has legalized midwifery in Missouri — for now
Mo. Governor Enacts Midwives Law as Part of Insurance Bill
Mo. Senator Loses Leadership Post After Sneaking Midwifery Into Health Bill

Canada: Foreign Credentials Referral Office

Designed to help internationally trained individuals have their credentials assessed and recognized more quickly so they can work in Canada, the first phase of a new Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO) launched May 24. “Too many newcomers can’t get jobs they have been trained for. That’s a terrible waste, for them and for the country.  Today, we are delivering on our commitment to do something about it,” said Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Diane Finley.

Indiana: massage therapy; occupational therapists

Governor Daniels has signed a law creating a state certification board of massage therapy effective July 1, 2007.  Practitioners have until January 1, 2009 to either meet the law's requirements or stop holding themselves forth to the public as massage therapists. The governor has until January 1, 2008 to make appointments to the new board, which will be administered by Indiana's Professional Licensing Agency.  See Senate Enrolled Act No. 320.

Also effective July 1, 2007, occupational therapists in Indiana will be licensed, rather than certified as the current law requires. The American Occupational Therapy Association notes that Indiana is the 47th state to grant licensure status to occupational therapists. See House Engrossed Act No. 1821.

Australia: national health registration boards

The Council on Australian Governments has "agreed on the arrangements for a new national system for the registration of health professionals and the accreditation of their training and education programs for implementation by July 2008." The agreement  includes the establishment of nine separate national registration boards, rather than just one, as originally proposed in a 2005 report. Advantages of the new system will include national professional standards and interstate mobility for registered professionals. The new system will initially cover nine health professions: medical practitioners, nurses and midwives, pharmacists, physiotherapists, psychologists, osteopaths, chiropractors, optometrists and dentists (including dental hygienists, dental prosthetists and dental therapists).  See point No. 4: Health

Oregon: fined contractors can keep licenses

Oregon construction contractors are required to respond to state Bureau of Labor and Industries prevailing wage (PWR) rate surveys. Failure to comply can result in civil penalties and liens, but the bureau has no authority over contractor licenses. The bureau asked the Construction Contractors Board to revoke licenses for nonpayment of civil penalties it imposes for failure to respond to PWR surveys. The Oregon Department of Justice has concluded that this action is beyond the board's authority. Read the 19 March 2007 opinion.

Utah: Legislature separates barber licenses from cosmetology

In the final hour of its 2007 session, the Utah legislature re-established a separate licensing category for barbers and provided for new rules for barbers-in-training. The Daily Herald says this action may allow Utah to "join in the barber renaissance" occurring across the US. Read article.