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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

Illinois moves to paperless renewals

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has implemented paperless renewals and license verification. Renewals will now be processed online, and license verification will be electronic through the License Lookup application. The online renewal system will streamline the process and create savings in postage and printing costs. Instead of paper postcard reminders, licensees will receive electronic license reminder notifications.

Related, emailed paper reminders for license plate renewals have been stopped as a cost-saving measure, and many people have missed the deadline and had to pay late fees. A proposal is before the Legislature to suspend the fines until a budget plan is passed. For professional licenses, the IL DFPR has indicated that they are "moving through [the new initiative] with leniency."

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Alaska increases licensing fees for hunting guides

The Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing is increasing fees for hunting guide licenses in an attempt to eliminate a $1 million deficit faced by the Big Game Commercial Services Board. Currently, licensing fees cover administrative costs but do not cover investigative and legal costs. The deficit began in the mid-90s when a lack of administrative oversight from the Division resulted in a lack of accurate accounting documentation provided to the Board. The new fee structure should cover ongoing costs and pay down the deficit, and the fess will be reviewed again once the deficit is eliminated.

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Maryland: Regulatory Reform Commission report

Maryland's Regulatory Reform Commission, tasked by the Governor with conducting a comprehensive review of regulations and their impact on Maryland's business environment, has submitted their first of three reports. The report includes recommendations such as restructuring and reforming state government, creating a one-stop shop for licensing, adopting electronic documentation and online filings, consolidating professional licenses, reducing fees, and eliminating obstacles to mortgage lender licensing. Governor Hogan wants to "restore a fair, accountable and balanced regulatory climate for Maryland's businesses." A second report is due in December 2016 with the final report by December 1, 2017.

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Colorado: reduction in licensing renewal fees

The Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations has announced that renewal fees will be reduced or held constant over the next two years, resulting in about $2 million in fee savings for professional licensees. Implementation of efficiency processes and reduction of operating expenses has allowed for the fee reductions.

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