CLEAR

Midwifery: EU regulators initiate network

Midwifery regulators from 18 countries will establish an informal network to exchange best practice and coordinate communications with European Union (EU) decision makers. Read more. 

Colorado: physician self-reports due now

Physicians have until May 31 to enter their professional and related information into the Physician Profile System operated by the Department of Regulatory Agencies. The self-reports must include malpractice settlements, crimes, and disciplinary actions. Read more. View the Physicial Profile Lookup website.

Florida: group sues for deregulation of interior designers

The Sun Sentinel reports that the Institute for Justice has filed suit seeking deregulation of Florida's interior designers, claiming that the state's design law is one of only three in the US that are similarly restrictive. Read more. The institute's initiative closely follows its successful campaign in Texas where Governor Perry recently signed HB 1484 eliminating requirements for interior designers. The American Society of interior Designers has information on its website detailing state regulation of the profession.

Texas: podiatric board report

In Performance Measures at the Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners the state auditor says the board's average complaint resolution time is 416 days, with 43% of complaints resolved within six months.  

US: textbooks don't give licensing its due

The authors of "Occupational Licensing: Scant Treatment in Labor Texts" cite the work of CLEAR and several economists in pointing out that licensing is one of the most important forms of labor regulation in the United States. Despite this, economic texts give the area "scant attention." The article appeared in the May 2009 Econ Watch Journal published by The American Institute for Economic Research.

Australia: competitive regulation policy paper

In Australian Policy Online, Krystian Seibert joins a growing number of economists who argue that competitive professional regulation would lead to lower costs for consumers. Read "Rethinking Professional Regulation" which was first published in Economic Affairs, London Institute of Economic Affairs.

US: CPA mobility expanding

Florida is the 39th state to enact a uniform mobility provision for certified public accountants (CPAs). The provision grants CPAs automatic practice privilege in the 39 states while also acknowledging the automatic jurisdiction of each state of practice. Eight additional states have mobility legislation pending. Read more from the CPA Letter.

UK: DOH calls on third sector organizations

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued pandemic preparation guidelines for third sector organisations (charitable, other volunteer, and not-for-profit groups) in England and Wales. Read Pandemic influenza, supplementary information for third sector organisations. Read all DOH pandemic preparedness advice for health and other professionals.

Oklahoma: tort reform agreement reached

After years of debate, lawmakers finally reached agreement on tort reform legislation. Once the bill is signed into law, legislators hope that its provisions will attract physicians to the state and lower consumer health care costs. Read more.

UK: RCN wants standardized nurses' uniform

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has voted that all nurses in England should wear a national uniform to avoid patient confusion and present a more professional image. A standard dress code for nurses is under consideration in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Read more.