CLEAR

Arizona considers "universal licensing recognition"

A bill introduced in the Arizona General Assembly would allow anyone with a license in good standing for at least one year in another state to automatically qualify for the same license type in Arizona without additional classes or examinations. Applicants would still pay a fee to the relevant Arizona board. The bill would allow boards that administer an exam on laws relevant to Arizona to require such an exam of out-of-state applicants.

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VA DPOR director removed

The Virginia General Assembly, voting on gubernatorial appointments, has voted to remove Jay DeBoer as director of the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Last year, an audit of the agency by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission found issue with the agency's management, noting such things as an excessive amount of time to fill vacant positions, IT systems that created inefficiencies in the licensing process, and complaints about people in key positions not receiving annual employee evaluations.

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CA Board of Registered Nurses requests additional funding

The California Board of Registered Nurses has requested $17 million in its budget proposal.  The proposal details increased processing time for new nursing applications, due in part to the implementation of the new computer program, BreEZe, launched in 2013. The budget proposal calls for the hiring of 67 new employees over the next three years to help with the backlog of license applications. The proposal also details the need for more staff to handle investigations so that the Board can meet the goal of completing cases in 12-18 months.

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Professional Engineers Ontario appoints new registrar

Professional Engineers Ontario has appointed Johnny Zuccon as registrar, following his service as interim registrar since February 2018. Mr. Zuccon has previously served as PEO's deputy registrar for tribunals and regulatory affairs, deputy registrar for standards and regulations, director of professional affairs and manager of external relations.

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CA: new director for Osteopathic Medical Board

The Osteopathic Medical Board of California has announced the appointment of Mark Ito as executive officer as of January 31, 2019, replacing the former executive officer who has retired. Mr. Ito has worked with the Department of Consumer Affairs for 19 year in various capacities.

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WV: bill for occupational licensing reform submitted with incorrect version

The "Occupational Licensing Consumer Choice Act" submitted in West Virginia is intended to expand opportunities, promote innovation and increase competition by allowing consumers to make decisions in hiring and contracting with providers of their choice.” The bill would eliminate licensing requirements for some occupations and require them instead to disclose to consumers that they are not licensed, using at least "14 point font set in boldface." The bill, as written, exempts medical doctors, registered and licensed nurses, dentists and pharmacists but would apply to all other health professionals. The bill's sponsor indicated that an incorrect version of the bill was introduced and the bill should have excluded all licensed and accredited health care professionals.

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Idaho: Licensing Freedom Act of 2019

Idaho's governor has issued an executive order for a comprehensive review and overhaul of the state's professional licensing system. The order requires sunrise and sunset processes, with a goal to review at least five license types a year. Another executive order will require state agencies to revoke two regulations for each new one implemented.

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Indiana: consolidation bill meets criticism

A bill under consideration in Indiana would consolidate several licensing agencies and eliminate others, such as hearing aid dealers and auctioneers. In hearings, the Indiana Midwives Association spoke against moving the Certified Direct Entry Midwifery Committee under the Board of Nursing. Representatives also spoke against eliminating the committee of hearing aid dealer examiners, citing safety concerns of unlicensed practice.

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Florida governor hosts Deregathon

florida's Governor DeSantis hosted a one-day event, Deregathon, with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The purpose of the event was to explore ways to protect consumers while also reducing barriers to opportunity. The Secretary of the DBPR called the event "an important first step toward developing a reasonable regulatory approach that gives more Floridians access to a stable job and clear career path.” One suggestion coming out of the event was to allow a two-year temporary endorsement of Puerto Rico licenses for social workers, mental health providers, teachers, engineers, barbers and cosmetologists.

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IL: bill signed for gun dealer licensure

A gun dealer licensing law was recently signed in Illinois. Prior versions of such a bill would have required the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to regulate gun dealers, but the approved law requires the Illinois State Police to license them. The bill will require gun dealers and employees to take annual training about the law and responsible business practices and will allow for inspections of their places of business by state and local police. The Illinois State Rifle Association has indicted plans to challenge the new law as a violation of Second Amendment rights.

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