CLEAR

Washington: POG report says drop performance audits

2009-11 Priorities of Government Final Report suggests a strategic framework for state investment decisions. Performance audits of state agencies, including professional licensing boards, are listed on the "Do Not Buy" list. State auditor Brian Sonntag says that voters approved the auditing initiative in 2005. Read more.

Physicians: electronic records may reduce malpractice

A Harvard-based study reported in the 24 November issue of Archives of Internal Medicine  concludes that the use of electronic health records may help reduce physician malpractice  settlements. Read more.

UK: GMC provides guidance on upcoming licence to practice

The General Medical Council (GMC) is providing its registrants with new guidance on the upcoming licence to practice. A pamphlet, Licensing and you: Information for registered doctors, advises that, beginning next autumn, doctors practicing in the UK must be licensed medical practitioners and hold both registration and a licence to practise with the GMC. Read more.

Colorado: athlete agents, occupational therapists, massage therapists

The Division of Registrations is preparing to regulate athlete agents and occupational therapists beginning January 1, 2009. It will also regulate massage therapists effective April 1, 2009.

Arizona: patients may retain right to sue physicians

The legislature's Heath and Human Interim Committee has recommended that a medical malpractice arbitration act be renewed for ten years. If the act is not continued, doctors could refuse care to those not signing an arbitration agreement waiving legal redress for malpractice. Read more.

Interior designers: study questions regulation

Twenty-two states and the District of Columbia regulate interior design on some level,  according to Designed to Mislead. This study concludes that the public may not associate interior designers with educational or other qualifying requirements as it does with some other professions.

UAE: background checks for all medical professionals

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will conduct background checks and verify the license of every medical professional working in the emirate. The initiative is part of a four-year healthcare system restructuring begun in June, under which about 15,000 medical professionals will be required to reapply for their licenses. Read more.

UK: RCN calls for needlestick injury policy

In Needlestick Injury in 2008 the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) calls on the government, regulators and employers to introduce needlestick policies. The report found that nearly half of all nurses responding were injured by a needle previously used on a patient. 

Texas: tax examiners functions may move to TDLR

The Texas Board of Tax Professional Examiners was not scheduled for sunset review for another six years, but taxpayer and legislator concern led to an early look at the controversial agency. Sunset Advisory Commission staff reports that the board is simply too small to carry out its regulatory duties and should be abolished, with its functions transferred to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Read the report.

NASBA: comments invited on latest 120/150 hour draft

The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy invites comment on its latest draft of the120/150-Hour Paper. Responses may be submitted through  December 31, 2008.  Read more.