CLEAR

US government report urges expanded scope of practice and telehealth

A report issued by the US Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury, "Reforming America's Healthcare System Through Choice and Competition," calls for easing of scope of practice laws, particularly giving examples of advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, dental therapists and hygienists, and optometrists. The report calls for changes to scope of practice laws to allow healthcare providers to practice at the top of the license and skill set. A further recommendation is elimination of collaborative practice and supervision agreement requirements. The report also suggested easing the license process for foreign-trained physicians.

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Update: Philippines PRC reviewing CPD Law

The Philippines legislature has requested the Professional Regulation Commission to reduce the requirements necessary to comply with the Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016. Lawmakers agreed that the mandatory requirements should be less onerous. The PRC also noted that lack of funding was causing issues with implementation of the Act.

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CPA Evolution working group meets

The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy and the American Institute of CPAs have formed the CPA Evolution working group to explore possible changes to CPA licensure. The working group is focusing on changes to help align licensure with the new skills needed by CPAs as technology advances and client demands change. The group aims to recommend strategies to build technological knowledge and skills into the CPA curricula and the CPA Exam. The working group includes representatives from state accountancy boards, state CPA societies, CPA firms and academia.

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Veterinary nurse initiative gains support

The Veterinary Nurse Initiative Coalition was formed in 2017 by the North American Veterinary Technicians Association to standardize the credentialing requirements, scope of practice and title used for the profession. The initiative calls for the title "registered veterinary nurse" to replace registered veterinary technician, licensed veterinary technician, certified veterinary technician, and licensed veterinary medical technician. The American Animal Hospital Association has recently voted to support the initiative. Legislation has been passed in two states this year related to registered veterinary nurses.

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Ohio considers bill for occupational licensing review

A bill under consideration in Ohio would require a review of all occupational licenses. The bill would create a sunset provision five years after the creation or renewal of a licensing board, whereby the board would have to provide testimony to a standing committee of the House and the Senate to demonstrate the public need for its continued existence. Boards would be reviewed against 27 points to consider, including alternate less restrictive manners of protecting the public, duplication with other boards, recognition of national uniform licensing requirements, and impact on economic growth and competition. The bill would require the Legislative Services Commission to perform an assessment of 20% or regulated occupations each calendar year.

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Alberta proposes regulation of counsellors and therapists

Legislation introduced in Alberta would create a college of counselling therapy under the Mental Health Services Protection Act. The Health Minister has noted an increase in complaints about private health facilities. If passed, addiction treatment facilities would be required to apply and have a license by November 1, 2019. Counselling therapists, addiction counsellors, drug and alcohol counsellors, child and youth care counsellors, and psychotherapists would also be regulated.

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Vermont considers home improvement and construction contractors regulation

The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation is seeking public comment on a proposal to regulate home improvement and construction contractors. The proposal is in response to an increased number of complaints against contractors. Regulation proposals include options of registration, required insurance, or written contracts between property owners and service providers.

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Philippines to regulate speech language pathology

A new bill in the Philippines will create the Board of Speech Language Pathology to regulate the practice of speech language pathology. The bill provides a definition of speech language pathology as the "allied health profession devoted to the evaluation, diagnosis, management, and prevention of human communication and swallowing disorders.” Requirements for licensure will include an exam and adherence to a Code of Ethics.

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Alberta: RNs get prescribing authority

Amendments to the Registered Nurses Profession Regulation will allow RNs to prescribe common medication and order some diagnostic tests such as x-rays. RNs will need to complete additional education and have appropriate supports in the work setting before being authorized to prescribe in their clinical practice area.

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New opioid therapy e-learning program for healthcare professionals

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada has launched a case-based e-learning program for healthcare professionals on the topic of opioid therapy. "The program was developed based on a needs assessment of medical and surgical specialists who identified a number of recurring, complex issues that they face when managing or prescribing opioids for patients with acute or chronic pain." The course focuses on screening practices, identifying patients at risk of harm, ongoing monitoring, and determining how to discontinue or taper opioids appropriately.

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