An article published by Field Law reviews changes in the Canadian regulatory arena over the past six months, including trends toward "societal and political skepticism of the value of self-regulation," establishment of independent oversight bodies, consolidation of regulatory organizations, inclusion of a majority of public members on Councils, merit-based appointments to Councils rather than election of members, and the loss of self-regulation in favor of government control of some professions. The author urges regulatory bodies to "batten down the hatches" and "ensure that the captain is firmly on the wheel."
May 22, 2019
Article highlights recent trends in professional regulation in Canada
May 15, 2019
UK researchers develop toolkit for opioid prescribing
Researchers at the University of East Anglia School of Pharmacy have developed a toolkit intended to help healthcare practitioners reduce their opioid prescribing. The report states that healthcare practitioners need to work with patients to gradually reduce or taper their opioid doses and that appropriate training of healthcare practitioners is necessary in order to give them the skills to help patients manage the psychological effects of reducing doses.
May 01, 2019
Florida considers international prescription drug imports
A bill passed in the House and under consideration in the Florida Senate would create three programs in Florida for the importation of prescription drugs: the Canadian Prescription Drug Importation Program in the state Agency for Health Care Administration; the International Prescription Drug Importation Program in the Department of Business and Professional Regulation; and a pilot program run by the Florida Department of Health and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The Canadian Importation Program would be open to pharmacists who work for the State Department of Health, Department of Corrections or Medicaid. The International Program would be open to Florida residents and allow importation from licensed manufacturers in countries with agreements with the U.S. for adherence to good manufacturing practices. The Pilot Program would be negotiated between the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Department of Health with the Federal government. None of the programs would include controlled substances.
April 10, 2019
EU healthcare qualifications will be recognized after Brexit
The Health and Social Care Secretary in the UK has announced that European Union healthcare workers will have their qualifications and registrations recognized after Brexit even if the UK leaves the EU without a deal. Health and social care workers with professional qualifications from EU institutions will continue to have their training accepted by all UK regulatory bodies.
March 27, 2019
UK: Royal College of Physician's position on assisted dying
After reviewing results of an online survey of its members, the UK's Royal College of Physicians has decided to adopt a neutral position on assisted dying. The RCP had indicated it would change its traditional position of opposition to a neutral position unless more than 60% of members voted in favor of or against RCP supporting legislation of assisted suicide. Only 31.6% were in favor of RCP supporting such legislation, and 43.4 % were opposed. The RCP president indicated that a neutral position means they can "reflect the differing opinions among [their] membership" and "won't be focusing on assisted dying in [their] work."
March 20, 2019
Arkansas considers DACA nursing licenses
A bill under consideration in Arkansas would allow participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to apply for nursing licenses. The state nursing board changed its policy in 2017 and began denying licenses to DACA participants. Supporters of the new bill cite the nursing shortage in Arkansas and the need to recruit and retain nurses in the state.
January 02, 2019
Tennessee: new laws effective concerning opioids, student loans
New laws in effect January 1 in Tennessee establish new reporting requirements for suspected abuse or diversion of opioids and require the Department of Health to refer such reports to the respective health regulatory board. Another law limits healthcare providers to prescribing only a 3-day supply of opioids with some exceptions.
Another law allows professional licensing authorities the discretion to not automatically suspend, deny or revoke a license because of student loan default if the default is due to medical hardship that prevented the person from working in their licensed field.
November 20, 2018
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.
November 06, 2018
UK: Harry Cayton steps down as Chief Executive for PSA
After 11 years with the Professional Standards Authority, Harry Cayton has stepped down as Chief Executive. In an article for the Insights into Regulation blog, Cayton proposes some key qualities of the best people in the regulatory field: curiosity, tenacity, scepticism, and precision. Read more
October 02, 2018
US: Congress considers opioid bill with expanded buprenorphine prescription authority
An opioid bill currently under consideration by both the US House and Senate would, among other measures, permanently allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe the anti-addiction medication buprenorphine, upon undergoing extra training and receiving a special license. The bill would also allow nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and clinical nurse specialists such prescription authority for the next five years.
