Chris Winters, Vermont Deputy Secretary of State, details several policies the Office of Professional Regulation has implemented to reduce barriers for entry into regulated professions. Fast-track licensing allows any professional who has been licensed in good standing for three years in another jurisdiction to obtain a Vermont license. Recognizing credit for military experience, Vermont offers a direct path from some medic classifications to related licensure. Professions such as funeral directors, cosmetologists, and pharmacy technicians can follow an experience-based apprenticeship pathway to licensure.
November 23, 2021
November 18, 2021
Ohio think tank outlines licenses that could be eliminated
The Buckeye Institute has issued a report identifying more than 60 occupational licenses that should be eliminated or reformed as part of the effort to reduce business regulations to make the state more economically competitive. A bill currently under consideration would cut business regulations by 30% by 2024.
October 28, 2021
New Mexico executive order for regulatory review
New Mexico's governor has signed an executive order directing the Regulation and Licensing department and the Economic Development Department to conduct a comprehensive review of the state's rules and regulations, with the goal of a more streamlined and business-friendly licensing process. The review will specifically look at licensure requirements that may disproportionately affect and burden underserved communities. One specific complaint to be addresses is the long timeline to approve construction-related permits. The regulatory review is part of a larger economic planning effort.
August 25, 2021
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.
August 18, 2021
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."
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.
July 28, 2021
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.
July 15, 2021
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.
May 26, 2021
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.
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.
