The Association of International CPAs and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy have launched a CPA Evolution Model Curriculum to help accounting educators align their programs with the new CPA licensure model expected to the introduced in 2024. The CPA Evolution model will have candidates take exams in three core sections (accounting, audit, and tax/regulation) with a new emphasis on the impact of technology. They will also test in one of three disciplines (tax compliance and planning, business analysis and reporting, or information systems and controls). The new curriculum aims to focus on topics new accounting hires most need to know in their first two years of employment, with a focus on technology, to align with employer needs and the reality of current accounting practice.
June 23, 2021
COVID's impact on medical malpractice and complaints
Data in Canada indicates that there have been fewer lawsuits for medical malpractice during the pandemic but more complaints to regulatory colleges. The article also notes the benefits of moving to virtual hearings for malpractice cases during the pandemic: ease of obtaining medical expert testimony, saving of travel costs, and ease of use of visual aids in online platforms.
Legislation passed in Ontario and being introduced in other provinces offers legal protection to "those acting in good faith when implementing public health guidance and any federal, provincial or municipal law in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic." The article speculates that malpractice claims due to the pandemic will be limited. However, the number of complaints has increased, specifically related to communication issues and fair treatment during virtual care.
June 02, 2021
Florida: money budgeted for cybersecurity for agencies
Florida's approved state budget includes over $37 million to enhance cybersecurity at state agencies. In October 2020, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation experienced a network breach that led to limited operations for several weeks until the situation was resolved.
March 24, 2021
Nursing and Midwifery Council proposes continuing virtual hearings
The UK's Nursing and Midwifery Council held a public consultation and is making recommendations to their Council to continue the use of emergency powers after the corona virus emergency is over. Specifically, the proposal calls for the continuation of virtual hearings when it is fair and practical. The consultation provided feedback about time savings and reduced travel and accommodations costs. Another proposal is to continue to send notices by email and requiring a read receipt. The consultation feedback noted speed and cost benefits of using email communication over postal communication.
Florida bill considers veterinary telemedicine
SB 1370 under consideration in Florida would redefine the veterinarian/client/patient relationship and allow for veterinary telemedicine. A Veterinarian/client/patient relationship could be established in-person or via audio-visual technology. Veterinary telemedicine would not require a physical exam for telemedicine services such as consultation and prescription of drugs for nutrition, training, dermatalogical conditions and anxiety.
February 10, 2021
Medical Council of Canada moves to virtual Part II exam
The Medical Council of Canada will move to virtual delivery of the MCC Qualifying Exam Part II in spring 2021. MCCQE Part II is a requirement for entry into independent clinical practice. The exam, an Objective Structured Clinical Examination, will undergo pilot testing before an anticipated launch date in May 2021.
January 20, 2021
New telehealth law in Massachusetts
Recent legislation in Massachusetts includes formalization of telehealth provisions. The Act includes a definition of telehealth to include "synchronous or asynchronous audio, video, electronic media or other telecommunications technology. . . for the purpose of evaluating, diagnosing, consulting, prescribing, treating or monitoring of a patient's physical health, oral health, mental health or substance use disorder condition.” The Medical Board has previously issued a policy that a face-to-face encounter between the patient and physician is not necessary prior to telemedicine services. The Act requires the Medical Board to allow credentialing and privileging by proxy.
December 09, 2020
New study on AI in lawyering
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.
November 24, 2020
UK: Health and Social Care Secretary aims to streamline processes and reduce bureaucracy
The Health and Social Care Secretary in the UK has issued a report setting out a comprehensive strategy to streamline processes and reduce bureaucracy in professional regulation, making permanent some of the changes that resulted from the pandemic. The report lists eight priority areas for action and is informed by feedback from frontline health and care staff about excess bureaucracy they face in their day-to-day jobs.
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Data and information will be shared, asked for and used intelligently
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System and professional regulation will be proportionate and intelligent
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Day-to-day staff processes will be simple, helpful and effective
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The government will legislate to make procurement rules more flexible
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GPs will have more time to focus on clinical work and improving patient care
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Medical appraisals will be streamlined and their impact increased
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There will be greater digitisation of services
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A supportive culture is needed at a national and local level
November 18, 2020
New York regulator plans new online licensing system
The New York State Education Department, responsible for licensing over 50 professions, is planning a new website and streamlined online licensing process as part of the "Professions Modernization Program." Under the new system, applicants would be able to track their applications, colleges would be able to directly submit transcripts, and licensees would be able to obtain renewal information all in one system. The goal date for the new system is June 2023.
