CLEAR

President's Message by Rosemary McCool

I recently returned from London, where I represented CLEAR at the International Symposium on the Government Regulation of Occupations. The event was fascinating, not least for the opportunity to see how others (in this case international economists) view the work undertaken by occupational regulators. Importantly, it allowed me to emphasize that the work each of our organizations does is underpinned by the goal of public protection. CLEAR has long understood that this is furthered when the regulatory community shares examples of best practices and is provided meaningful opportunities for professional development. I am pleased to highlight a number of activities, already underway, that allow us to share successes and learn from the challenges many of us are facing.

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US: conscience clause up for comment

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is inviting comment through 9 April 2009 on a proposal to rescind its recent controversial rule permitting physicians or health care entities to decline providing any procedure on moral or religious grounds. Read more.

Canada: new plan for foreign credentials recognition

As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the government will invest $50 million over two years to develop a national framework for faster recognition of foreign credentials. Read more.

CNMI: nurse practitioner scope expanded

Governor Fitial of The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) has signed a bill allowing nurse practitioners to prescribe medications and treat specified conditions without physician supervision. Read more.

US: 2010 SOC classification system framework

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has published the framework for the 2010 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) which contains 840 detailed occupations under 461 broader occupational groupings. Among the changes are the creation of a new category, Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Directors, which replaces the former Funeral Directors entry. The next major review and revision of the SOC is expected to begin in 2013, in preparation for a 2018 edition. Read more.

New Standards Adopted for ABMS MOC Program

The American Board of Medical Specialties announces adoption of a new set of standards designed to further enhance physician qualification principles assessed through its Maintainence of Certification Program. This uniform set of standards outlines and sets timelines for adopting several new MOC program elements related to continued medical education, practice-based assessment, patient safety self-assessment programs, and assessment of communication skills. Read the press release.

UK: new reports on improving health regulation

The Department of Health has issued two reports as part of ongoing health professional regulation reform. Tackling Concerns Nationally: establishing the Office of the Health Professions Adjudicator makes recommendations on the establishment of an independent body to adjudicate medical fitness to practise cases brought before the General Medical Council (GMC).  Tackling Concerns Locally sets out the principles of best practice for local systems clinical governance.

California: Aguiar appointed agency head

Governor Schwarzenegger has appointed former Assemblyman Fred Aguiar as secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency. Aguiar, who headed the agency from 2003 to 2005  replaces Rosario Marin, who has resigned. Among its several charges, the agency is responsible for consumer protection and the licensing of 2.4 million Californians in more than 255 different professions. Read more.

Brazil: Chiropractic is a profession

A federal judge has ruled that chiropractic is a profession and not a technique, as claimed by the physiotherapy (PT) association. The ruling will allow chiropractors to pursue legislation for regulation as an independent profession. Read more.

Nova Scotia: midwifery regulation begins

The newly appointed Midwifery Regulatory Council of Nova Scotia will oversee the integration of midwives into primary maternity care teams. The process will begin with three model sites where each midwife is anticipated to assist about 40 women per year. Read more.