CLEAR

Michigan launches online licensing tool for veterans

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs has launched an interactive website aimed at providing veterans and members of the military with information on how to become licensed in various professions in Michigan. The online tool contains information on how to apply military experience towards licensure, temporary licensure for military spouses, waiver of certain fees for veterans and active duty military members, and reimbursement of exam fees.

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Standards of practice released for physician advisors

The Association of Physician Leadership in Care Management has created standards of practice and a scope of services for the physician advisor role. The standards are designed "as a framework demonstrating the competencies and skill set that can be expected of physicians in leadership roles in care management" and address "professionalism, leadership, advocacy, accountability, communications, collaboration, regulatory knowledge, continuum of care perspective and data literacy."

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Queensland, Australia to begin requiring mechanical services license

Queensland is introducing a requirement for a mechanical services license for anyone performing refrigeration and air conditioning work. Currently, such work can be performed without a license up to a certain dollar amount. Beginning January 1, 2020, businesses, contractors, apprentices, and supervisors will need to hold the mechanical services license to perform any RAC work. Beginning January 1, 2022, technicians and other individuals will also need the license.

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Pennsylvania considers bill on convictions and licensure

A bill in Pennsylvania approved by the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee would guarantee that prior criminal convictions would not automatically disqualify an applicant from obtaining an occupational license. A application for licensure would only be denied based on a conviction if the conviction is directly related to the occupation. A companion bill in the House is pending before the house Judiciary Committee.

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Federal judge blocks conscience rule for healthcare providers

A federal judge in New York has declared the Trump administration's "conscience rule" unconstitutional. The rule, which was to go into effect later this month, would have allowed healthcare providers to refuse services to patients if the services or procedures go against the provider's moral or religious beliefs. The judge declared the rule "arbitrary and capricious" due to its central justification, a "significant increase" in complaints related to conscience violations, being untrue. Lawsuits had been brought by several states arguing that the rule favored the personal views of the healthcare worker over the needs of the patient.

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Philippines bill would require civil service

A bill under consideration in the Philippines, the Civil Conscription Act, would allow the Armed Forces of the Philippines to mandate licensed professionals to render mandatory civil service in times of calamity. Specifically, structural engineers and licensed medical personnel could be called upon through a system of recruitment to help in humanitarian and rehabilitation efforts for a limited period of time.

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National Dental Hygiene Certification Board announces new CEO

The National Dental Hygiene Certification Board has announced the appointment of Kieran Jordan as Chief Executive Officer effective November 25, 2019. Ms. Jordan's previous experience includes Universities Canada, the Health Standards Organization, and Accreditation Canada.

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UK NMC launches Careline pilot project

The Nursing and Midwifery Council in the UK has launched a 12-month pilot project called Careline, a free and confidential phone, chat, or email support service for nurses and midwives going through the fitness-to-practice process. The Careline is staffed with trained counsellors experienced in handling sensitive topics who can offer advice on general concerns and refer professionals to appropriate health or well-being services for their individual needs.

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Report on professional accountant regulation in Australia

CPA Australia has released a "Regulatory Burden Research Report." "Based on CPA Australia’s research into advice supply and demand, as well as its analysis of the current regulatory framework, the recommendations in this report aim to eliminate duplicative and conflicting regulations, and to streamline the existing framework to reduce the cost and burden on professional accountants. Five recommendations proposed are: review definition of key terms; redefine product advice and introduce strategic financial planning advice; individual licensing or registration of financial advisers; align codes of ethics and CPD requirements; and consider changes to the tax registration system."

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UK group urges more regulation of mental health care

A workplace mental health organization in the UK is urging the government to institute statutory regulation of mental health service providers. There are currently no laws regulating private psychotherapy or counselling in the UK. There are voluntary registers, but an individual could continue to practice without being on the register of after being removed from the register for unethical practice. The organization is advocating for tighter regulation "To protect the public from those who are insufficiently trained and lack the experience and knowledge to keep clients safe."

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