CLEAR

Update: New Mexico executive order for occupational licensing reform

Following a July order for occupational licensing review, New Mexico's governor has issued an executive order for the state's boards and commissions to implement occupational licensing reform to ease burdens on military families and others coming from out-of-state, low-income individuals, and those with a criminal record. The order also requires reduction of testing, experience and education requirements for entry-level positions, a reduction of licensing fees to 75% or less of the national average, and greater acceptance of online continuing education credits. The order also allows for a "consumer choice" provision whereby an individual could practice without a state license if consumers are informed of such and sign an acknowledgment before receiving services. The order does not apply to medical-related professions.

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Zimbabwe: Law Society exempt from tax

A recent court case ruled that the Law Society of Zimbabwe is exempt from Value Added Tax obligations on funds collected from its members for practicing certificates and professional development programs. The LSZ noted that the services it provides are regulation and control of the profession for the benefit of the public.

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National Occupational Licensing Database launched

The National Conference of State Legislatures, National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, and Council of State Governments have launched the National Occupational Licensing Database, allowing users to compare licensing data between states for 34 licensed occupations. The partners selected the specific occupations based on interest to policymakers, with projected growth and occupations not needing post-secondary education as part of the criteria. The database includes information on each occupation, such as training requirements, continuing education requirements, cost of licensure and renewal, examination requirements, restrictions for criminal records, interstate licensure recognition, etc.

Press release
Background and database access

Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Board responds to FTC complaint

The Federal Trade Commission has filed an administrative complaint that the Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Board has fixed the minimum price of residential real estate appraisals, constituting an antitrust violation. The LREAB has responded that Federal regulations and the Dodd-Frank Act require that state appraisal agencies ensure Appraisal Management Companies pay "customary and reasonable" fees for home appraisals to compensate appraisers for necessary skills and geographic experience. The Board claims they are complying with Federal law and plans to contest the charge.

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Two Oregon state boards could merge

The Oregon Board of Psychology and the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists would merge staffs if the governor's proposed budget is approved. The proposed budget is a 21% increase from the 2015-2017 budgets for both boards and also includes an upgrade to the online database system and an additional two staff members. Under the merger, both boards would keep separate funding streams and expenditures. The merger would allow additional staff to be assigned to licensing issues and complaint handling for the growing number of licensees. Another part of the proposal is a $40 increase in licensure renewal fees for counselors and therapists, fees which have not been increased since 2002.

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Illinois modifies educator license requirements

A new law in Illinois will eliminate some testing requirements, reduce some licensing fees and allow full reciprocity for out-of-state licenses for teachers. The changes are an effort to deal with teacher and substitute shortages. The licensing fee is reduced for substitute teachers, and subs will be able to renew after five years and passing of a basic skills requirement. Teachers' scores on content area tests will now be valid indefinitely rather than having a 10-year expiration date.

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Kentucky: respiratory therapy renewal moves online

The Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care has created an online license renewal system. Licensed respiratory therapists now have the option to renew online and print their renewal ID card. In August, the Kentucky Health and Welfare Committee approved a 20% increase in licensing fees for respiratory therapists.

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UK Nursing and Midwifery Council introduces payment by installment

Nurse and midwives registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council can now opt to pay their annual registration fee by quarterly direct debit payments rather than an annual payment. The new option is in response to requests from nurses and midwives for a more flexible payment system. Thousands of nurses and midwives have signed up in the first month of the program.

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Illinois DFPR to offer bonuses for money-saving ideas

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation plans to implement a pilot program where employees will qualify for bonuses if they come up with ideas that can save the state money while maintaining or improving service. Performance targets will be set for each division, and savings will be measured on an agency-wide basis. The bonuses would amount to 25% of the money saved as long as all performance targets are met, and the bonuses will be distributed evenly to all eligible employees. Eligibility for some employees, however, is still pending agreement from their unions, and a contract dispute is still unsettled. Some groups fear that it will be too challenging to measure cost-savings and quantify performance fairly.

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CA DCA: hearing addresses antitrust liability

The California Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development and the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions is holding an oversight hearing to address issues with the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Office of Administrative Hearings. Issues to be addressed include potential antitrust liability for boards under the DCA, with the potential recommendation of an independent state review of regulatory board actions and a state supervisor with the ability to veto or modify decisions, and the recommendation to remove the active license requirement for the Executive Officer position on the Board of Registered Nursing. Another issue to be discussed is the status and timeline for fully implementing BreEZe, a customized fully integrated IT system, and plans to ensure that enacted legislation can be implemented despite delays with the new system. The Committees will also discuss issues related to the DCA's calculations of fees for administrative services provided to the boards, potential licensing fee increases requested by four boards, and performance measures related to the Consumer Protection Enforcement Initiative and its goal to reduce the length of time for formal disciplinary action by healthcare boards.

Background paper and more information on the committee hearings