Professional Licensing Requirements Should Not Make You A Prisoner Of One State
It's a ridiculous notion, the idea that a doctor who went to med school in New York and got licensed there suddenly becomes qualified only to mop the floor of a hospital if he moves to another state.
But that's how so many states' licensing requirements effectively make it.
Veronique de Rugy writes at AIER that Arizona is leading the way on changing this:
Yesterday, I got a call from a friend of mine who is a child psychologist in Falls Church, VA. She wanted me to know that she has decided to move to Arizona to be close to her family, especially, "now that her license would be recognized in her new state and she can start working immediately."The beauty of American federalism is that it allows states to try out different policies and see what works well and what does not. The state of Arizona is putting this flexibility to good use. After implementing a moratorium on occupational-licensing requirements in 2015, the state passed legislation to recognize occupational licenses from other states last year. Going against special-interest groups in various industries whose members would prefer to face as little competition as possible, Arizona is saying that it is open for all business and welcomes competition.
As a result, Arizona is effectively launching a healthy competition for workers among the states themselves. For instance, taxes and regulations and the cost of living are lower in Arizona than they are in many other states, which should make Arizona appealing to overtaxed workers in Virginia or the District of Columbia.This is compounded by the fact that the cost of living can be very expensive in Washington, DC or Northern Virginia. However, if moving to Arizona means that workers in licensed industries, such as teaching and nursing, have to get a new occupational license to meet Arizona's requirements--a process that takes money and time--before they are allowed to work in Arizona, they may not want to change states.
Well, not anymore. As Governor Doug Ducey (R) explained when the bill passed last year, "With this bill, Arizona's sending a clear message to people across the country: if you're moving to Arizona, there's opportunity waiting for you here ... And we know that whether you make your living as a plumber, a barber, a nurse or anything else, you don't lose your skills simply because you moved here." In other words, when you move to Arizona, your license moves with you.
Other states are getting in the act, she reports. Virginia, West Virginia, California, Ohio, Missouri, Georgia, New Hampshire, Indiana, and New Jersey have bills in some sort of progress.
Of course, many licensing requirements are ridiculous. Organizations could give florists, house painters, etc., some sort of seal -- but it should be my choice if I wish to hire an unlicensed florist, house painter, or whatever.
For the record, only Louisiana requires florist licenses. Has anyone you know ever died or gotten ill from an unschooled flower arranger's handiwork?
Enough with ridiculous, unnecessary laws that stop certain Americans from doing business while privileging others -- usually at the expense of American consumers.
Related: The Jones Act, which no, is not a group that opens for Justin Timberlake.
Here are some ridiculous license requirements:
cutting hair needing a 2 year degree. No way can you get hurt by getting your hair cut or manicures. Don't like it? Don't go back. Maybe (maybe) for more extreme dying/bleaching stuff.
A license to do interior design? seriously stupid. It is art/style/design. No one can get hurt.
Interestingly, a profession that does not require any degree or license is being a politician (or CEO for that matter).
cc at March 7, 2020 10:02 AM
Wondering: does this let a doctor escape malpractice consquences?
Radwaste at March 8, 2020 10:33 AM
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