Beth Noveck, director of the Burnes Center for Social Change at Northeastern University explains the impact of ChatGPT Gov on state agencies. “It’s also state and local that are the most under-resourced in many cases and desperately need the added helping hand that comes from tools that can help them with synthesizing information, creating first drafts again. It’s all about helping government workers be more productive, and do their jobs more easily,” she says in a February 18 Route 50 article. The article highlights the numerous ways that government workers harness the capabilities of GenAI, such as drafting lengthy communications, prepping for meetings, as well as creating staff reports. In addition, the story gives examples of states pioneering the way with generative AI’s use, such as Minnesota and Pennsylvania.
Massachusetts ranks number 15 overall for all states and Puerto Rico in the 2024 State Occupational Licensing Index from the Archbridge Institute and the Knee Regulatory Research Center; the score places the state fifteenth among states for the highest occupational licensing burden. Besides the overall ranking, the report also features a state profile ranking that puts states in one of five quintiles. Massachusetts ranks two in the quintile system, with one the “most occupational licensing” and five the “least occupational licensing.” The quintile system reviews several factors, including barriers and licenses, along with universal recognition reforms. The licensing index, released in August, contains information on 284 occupations.
Other overall rankings include Iowa at number 16.
Find out how your state ranks in the latest edition of the State Occupational Licensing Index.
A new book by law professor Rebecca Haw Allensworth takes aim at the way professional licensing boards operate in the United States. She spoke about her book, The Licensing Racket, on the February 19 edition of the podcast Modern Law Library. She shared examples of what she heard at licensing board meetings and asks whether these boards really uphold public safety. At one meeting, she learned about a licensed physician, with a long history of malpractice, allowed by the board to continue to practice, despite charges of selling drugs to patients.
Storm chasers concerned about potential Oklahoma ‘tracker’ bill as chasing grows in popularity
Weather enthusiasts throughout the Plains express concern over a proposed bill in Oklahoma, fearing this gives some storm chasers an advantage over others.
Social work dean testifies to reduce licensing barrier
Dr. Judy L. Postmus, PhD, ACSW, Dean of the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW), testified before the Maryland Senate Finance Committee in support of a bill aimed at reducing barriers for entry-level social workers in the state.
New Report: State licensing boards continue to ignore Supreme Court’s decade-old antitrust warning
A report, published by Pacific Legal Foundation, reveals that despite a Supreme Court ruling, nearly all state dental boards still fail to meet the standards set in NC Dental.
