CLEAR

Harry Cayton calls for "bold action" aganst anti-vax healthcare professionals

Harry Cayton, international expert on professional regulation and former director of the Professional Standards Authority in the UK, has called for healthcare professionals promoting or participating in anti-mask or anti-vaccination behaviors to "be challenged by the regulator."  Cayton acknowledges the struggle regulators are dealing with to draw a line between the importance of respecting personal opinion and keeping the public safe from COVID-19.  In response to the difference in approach seen among Canadian provinces, Cayton told CBC News, "If necessary, government has to step in and clarify the laws around these things."  He calls on regulators to put the public interest first and foremost and test whether the legislation will allow action against these practitioners.

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Vermont: data on Fast-Track Endorsement process

The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation launched a Fast-Track Endorsement process in April 2021 to allow expedited licensure for candidates with an active license in good standing and a minimum of three years practice in another US jurisdiction. Since the launch, over 850 licenses in 40 different professions and occupations have been issued by fast-track endorsement.

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Florida considers joining Professional Counselors Licensure Compact

A bill under consideration in Florida would allow the state to join the Professional Counselors Licensure Compact.  The Compact requires 10 states to participate before going into effect. Georgia and Maryland have already enacted the Compact. The Compact would allow licensed professional counselors to practice in all Compact states through a privilege to practice. An interstate commission would be established to administer the Compact, along with a member state licensure data system.

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Indiana launches Special Education Assisted Licensure

The Indiana Department of Education has partnered with the University of Indianapolis Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning for the Indiana Special Education Assisted Licensure program to streamline coursework and provide financial assistance for teachers to earn full special education licensure. Currently licensed teachers can complete a fully funded 18-credit-hour graduate program, and individuals holding a non-education bachelor's degree can enroll in a full scholarship Transition to Teaching program.

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UK: system for recognition of overseas professional qualifications to be revoked

An amendment to the Professional Qualifications Bill will revoke the EU-law-based system for recognizing overseas professional qualifications and instead grant UK regulators the autonomy to "assess qualifications and to pursue arrangements in other countries in the interests of their professions."

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Georgia Composite Medical Board director remembered

LaSharn Hughes, director of the Georgia Composite Medical Board and the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce, passed away October 28 after suffering a heart attack. Hughes began her career in state government in the Secretary of State's Office before directing licensing boards for athletic trainers, counselors, funeral homes, socail workers, and nursing homes. She served as director of the medical board since 2003.

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Illinois set to approve licensure for certified professional midwives

HB 3401 has passed the General Assembly in Illinois to establish an Illinois Midwifery Board and license certified professional midwives. Illinois would be the 36th state to enact regulation for certified professional midwives.

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Increased demand for mental health care workers

The National Health Interview Survey found an increase in the percentage of adults who had received mental health treatment in the past 12 months - up to 20.3% in 2020 compared to 19.2% in 2019. The data show a disparity in treatment options for rural versus urban populations. Expanding telehealth options could increase access to care, including access to specialized care.

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North Carolina: worsening nursing shortage predicted

The North Carolina Board of Nursing, in partnership with the Center for Health Services research at UNC-Chapel Hill, has developed a model predicting  shortage of almost 12,500 registered nurses and 5,000 licensed practical nurses by 2033. Large metropolitan areas will be likely to face the greatest shortage of RNs.  The model also has a feature to adjust certain factors, such as the number of nursing graduates, to see the effect on the shortage.

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Alaska: investigation of emergency medical license process

The Alaska State Medical Board has initiated an investigation into the emergency licensing process for doctors after noticing a disproportionate number of applicants from Florida with "house" licenses (allowing them to practice in a hospital only with supervision) rather than full, unencumbered licenses. The investigation also revealed that a Chilean-based company was trying to recruit such doctors with the promise of full licensure for additional fees up to $1400. Fifty-two Florida-based doctors with only house licenses had applied for emergency licensure in Alaska; 38 were denied and 14 were granted licensure before the problem was noticed. The Medical Board is exploring options to revise the Emergency Courtesy License application.

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