CLEAR

UK: consultation on architect regulation

The UK government has opened a consultation inviting architects to share their views on the regulatory framework for architecture and the role of the Architects Registration Board. The online survey also includes questions about how to improve diversity and innovation. The consultation is part of a larger review launched by the housing minister aimed at modernizing regulation and building a stronger and more sustainable industry. Initial findings of the review are due by spring 2022, with an outcome expected in summer 2022.

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Ontario College of Teachers: new governance structure and recruitment of Council members

The Ontario College of Teachers is undergoing a legislated transition to a new, modernized governance structure. The new structure is intended to streamline College operations to be more effective and efficient. The modernization includes the appointment of Council and committee members to include an equal number of licensees and members of the public. Dr. Derek Haime, OCT, Registrar and CEO, states, "Our new governing body will be more inclusive and better reflect and serve Ontario’s diverse population, capturing a wide range of expertise, skills, knowledge and perspectives."

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Mississippi launches Tackle the Tape initiative

The Mississippi Secretary of State has launched an initiative called Tackle the Tape, which allows citizens to go to the Secretary of State website to submit regulatory statutes or rules that they consider harmful for businesses - "regulations that are anti-competitive and do not substantially further the safety and well-being of citizens." The Secretary of State's office indicates that they can advocate on their behalf to the regulatory agency or the legislature.

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Utah: proposed occupational licensure review

Utah's governor has proposed a "Systemic Licensure Review Process" based on the Department of Commerce's Review of Occupational and Professional Licensing Report. The report identified 16 licenses to be reviewed for elimination or modification, 34 rules for immediate modification, and 23 statutes recommended for specific legislative action. The report recommends regular 10-year reviews of all occupational and professional regulations, with annual prioritizations and "one-off" quick responses where needed.

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Biden executive order to ban "unnecessary" occupational licensing requirements

President Biden has issued an executive order that will call on the Federal Trade Commission to ban unnecessary occupational licensing requirements. The executive order is part of a broader goal to increase competition in the US economy.

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Minnesota audit recommends changes to cosmetology licensure

A report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor notes that the licensing structure and requirements for cosmetology are overly burdensome and do not contribute to public health or safety. The report recommends creating a specialty license for those who only want to perform hair services, eliminating multiple salon type licenses, and evaluating if cosmetology and barbering should still be regulated separately.

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Massachusetts: proposal to move boards under Department of Public Health

A bill, the Act Relative to Licensing Accountability in the Commonwealth, filed by Massachusetts's governor would transfer 13 boards (allied health, allied mental health, chiropractors, dietitians and nutritionists, dispensing opticians, hearing instrument specialists, podiatry, optometry, psychologists, social workers, speech pathology and audiology, health officers, and sanitarians) from the Division of Professional Licensure to the Department of Public Health. The DPL would still include 15 licensing boards, 10 boards within the Office of Public Safety and Inspections, and the Office of Private Occupational School Education. DPL would be renamed Division of Occupational Licensure. The bill also would prohibit Level 3 sex offenders from being licensed by the Division or the Department.

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New Zealand: consultation of engineering regulation reform

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in New Zealand has launched a consultation on proposed reforms to the regulation of engineering. A new registration scheme would be established for all engineers, and a new licensing regime would clarify who can "carry out or supervise engineering work in specified practice fields that have a high risk of harm to the public." The proposal also includes new continuing professional development requirements. A new regulator would be established to oversee the licensing process.

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UK care minister addresses need to modernize healthcare regulation

In this article, UK care minister Helen Whatley discusses the "Regulating Healthcare Professionals, Protecting the Public" consultation. "The reforms will modernise each of the healthcare professional regulators’ legal frameworks, making them simpler and more consistent. This will enable regulators to provide public protection more efficiently and spend more time supporting the professional standards of all registrants."

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Iowa considers greater scrutiny of regulation proposals

SF 487 under consideration by legislative committees in Iowa would require the legislature to review any new or expanded proposals to regulate a profession under the lens of "least restrictive" regulations. Regulation of new professions would only be approved for "the exclusive purpose of protecting the public health or safety" under these conditions: evidence that the unregulated practice of the profession will clearly harm or endanger the public, the public needs and would benefit from an assurance of professional ability, and the public cannot be protected by other means. A detailed written report demonstrating the necessity of regulation would be required. The bill would also increase the frequency of meetings of the government efficiency review committee from every two years to monthly, as necessary to review the usefulness, performance and efficacy of each current regulatory board.

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