A new study from Oxford University has found that "AI would augment the capabilities of human lawyers" and create "new roles for legal experts in producing AI services." The study discounts the belief that lack of financial resources to invest in technology is a major constraining factor but instead claims that the main challenge relates to strategic decisions around recruitment of multi-disciplinary teams and adjustment of professional boundaries. The study predicts an increase in such roles as legal engineers, legal product experts and innovation managers within law firms.
December 09, 2020
August 06, 2020
Mental health questions on license applications
Recent posts on social media by licensed healthcare providers affected by mental health issues have drawn attention to the need "to destigmatize mental health and help-seeking in the medical profession." This article discusses the issue and includes a focus on how licensure applications and questions about mental health can be a barrier to healthcare providers seeking help. Studies cited show that healthcare providers are reluctant to seek mental health care for fear that it could affect their license.
For more on the topic: CLEAR recently hosted a webinar focused on the Law Society of British Columbia's Mental Health Task Force and recommendations.
May 27, 2020
Report on physician assistants and furloughs
A survey conducted by the American Academy of Physician Assistants shows 22% of PAs have been furloughed, based on responses between April 25 and May 6. 58% reported reduced work hours, and 30% reported reduced pay. 16% of respondents noted a redeployment to practice settings or specialties most in need of healthcare practitioners. 47% reported treating or diagnosing COVID-19 patients.
December 05, 2019
New research on access to healthcare
A new study published in Health Affairs reports that Medicare beneficiaries living in rural areas have a 23% higher mortality rate than those living in urban areas, but access to specialist care decreased that mortality rate by 16.6%. Prior research and policy considerations have focused on lack of access to primary care as contributing to disparities in rural health outcomes. The study found that the supply of specialists was 31% lower in rural areas.
November 26, 2019
Study shows support for architectural licensing
A study undertaken by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards indicates that 89% of respondents support architectural licensing. Seventy-six percent of respondents agreed that licensing makes consumers feel safe, and 74% agreed that licensing ensures that practitioners are competent.
November 01, 2019
Illinois proposes changes to pharmacist regulation
A task force in Illinois recently looked at why dangerous drug interactions were not being caught by pharmacists. The task force found pharmacists overwhelmed by "an assembly-line process at busy pharmacies where hundreds of prescriptions are filled in a single shift." The task force's recommendations focused on easing stress by creating a requirement for one uninterrupted 30-minute meal break and one 15-minute break for a 6-hour shift and an additional 15-minute break for a 12-hour shift. The task force also looked at additional employer requirements on pharmacists, such as soliciting new business and meeting production quotas. The task force recommends that pharmacies be disciplined for not allowing sufficient time for tasks such as reviewing patient's history and answering customer questions. They also recommend expanding the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians.
October 03, 2019
Australia: research report on accountant regulation
CPA Australia has released a research report with recommendations to streamline regulation of accountants offering financial advice services. The report indicates that more than one-third of accountants who currently offer financial planning services are considering eliminating those services because of the current complex and sometimes overlapping regulatory and professional development requirements. CPA has called on the federal government to establish that strategic financial planning advice is separate from product advice and to eliminate overlap in training requirements.
June 26, 2019
New research: surgeons' unprofessional conduct correlates to increased complications
A study by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that the more reports by coworkers of unprofessional behavior by a surgeon, the higher the risk for complications to the patient. "Patients of surgeons who had one to three reports of unprofessional behavior had an 18% higher risk estimated for complications. Patients whose surgeons had four or more reports had a nearly 32% higher estimated risk compared to patients whose surgeons had no reports."
December 27, 2018
UK: Solicitors Regulation Authority looks at diversity
A new report from the Solicitors Regulation Authority researches "what is being done, and what can be done, to improve the representation of female and black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) solicitors in senior roles such as partners or directors." The report reviewed barriers and issues faced by these groups. The report includes responses from firms with "exceptional diversity profiles" and draws on examples of providing ongoing training and development opportunities; encouraging attendance at diversity events; leading by example with commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion; providing EDI training; and setting up diversity groups.
November 01, 2018
Missouri: research on first year of assistant physician licensure
In January 2017, the Missouri Board of Healing Arts began licensing assistant physicians to provide primary care services in underserved areas under collaborative practice agreements with a licensed physician. Researchers studied data from the first year of the program and raised some concerns. The researchers found that only 25% of licensed assistant physicians had secured collaborative agreements allowing them to practice, and 20% of those practicing were not actually in an underserved area of primary care shortage. The study also found that assistant physicians were less likely to have passed Steps 1 and 2 of the USMLE compared to other medical school graduates, a factor linked to increased disciplinary actions and worse clinical outcomes. The research did note the limitation of available data and that future research is required.
