CLEAR

Naturopaths to be licensed in Northwest Territories

The Health and Social Services Professions Act has come into force in the Northwest Territories, with naturopathic doctors as the first profession to be regulated under the Act. Naturopathic practitioners will be regulated by the Health and Social Services Registrar of Professional Licensing. Current practitioners have until September 1, 2022 to apply for licensure.

Under the Health and Social Services Professions Act, an organization representing a health or social services profession, or a group of people practicing a profession, can apply to the Minister of Health and Social Services to be designated for regulation. The application will be based on

• "A profession’s regulatory status in other jurisdictions.
• Whether there are other means to regulate members of the profession other than under the Act.
• The nature and degree, if any, of the risk to the health and safety of the public if the profession is unregulated.
• The potential economic impacts of regulation."

Read more

New Zealand proposes to license rental property managers

The government of New Zealand has opened a consultation about a proposed licensing scheme for rental property managers. The scheme would require property managers  to adhere to a code of compliance, pass a fit and proper person test, and take a training course. Property managers would be subject to a complaints and discipline process and fines and would need to take continuing professional development. After the consultation period, a bill would not be expected until 2023.

Read more

Update: Vermont contractor registry bill vetoed

Vermont's governor has vetoed a bill that would have established a registry for home contractors working on projects valued at $3500 or more. The bill would have required registration with the Office of Professional Regulation. Vermont is one of only eight states without any form of home contractor regulation. The governor's office indicated that the bill was vetoed because it disproportionately harms smaller contractors.

Read more

Philippines: food technologist regulatory board

The Professional Regulatory Board of Food Technology was created in July 2021 and has now developed a code of conduct; guidelines for registration without exam; and a Professional Competitiveness Roadmap to focus on a licensure exam, continuing professional development, internationalization, inspection and monitoring, and research and development. Food technologists would be trained to conduct food analysis, comply with food laws and regulations in food manufacturing and distribution, develop new food products, and implement quality management systems.

Read more

Alberta delays counselling therapist regulation

The Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta was established after the Mental Health Services Protection bill was passed in December 2018. ACTA has developed standards of practice, codes of ethics, and competencies and requirements for counsellors, but the Alberta government has indicated that creation of  College of Counselling Therapy is no longer a priority for the government but that review of the issue will continue.

Read more

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.

Read more

Florida to license genetic counselors

Genetic counselors in Florida will now be required to be licensed by the Florida Department of Health. The Genetic Counseling Workforce Act became effective July 1, 2021. Licensing requirements include a master's or doctoral degree in genetic counseling and passage of a certification exam. Some concern still exists about how the new law applies to out-of-state practitioners and whether genetic counselors will be added to Florida's list of approved telehealth providers.

Read more

Philippines: bill to regulate physical therapists

The Philippines House of Representatives has passed a bill for "Philippine Physical Therapy Law" establish licensure of physical therapists under a Professional Regulatory Board of Physical Therapy. A Code of Ethics and Ethical Standards of Practice will be developed along with continuing professional development requirements. The bill now moves to the Senate.

Read more

Ohio to license home inspectors

A new law in Ohio will require a state license for home inspectors, who will also be required to have insurance, pass a criminal background check, and demonstrate competence by carrying out some initial supervised inspections. Existing home inspectors who could demonstrate competence were granted a license through a grandfathering clause. The Ohio Home Inspector Board operates under the Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing.

Read more

Massachusetts introduces veterinary technician licensure bill

A bill introduced in Massachusetts would create licensing requirements for veterinary technicians. Massachusetts is one of ten states that do not license vet techs. The bill would create a board for veterinary technology under the Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine. Licensure requirements would include a degree from an American Veterinary Medical Association-approved program, a national exam, and continuing education.

Read more