New research from economists at the University of Minnesota examines the effects of occupational licensing on the public sector labor market; the study uncovers the impacts on key labor market outcomes, like wages, hours worked and employment in the public sector. The Labor Market Effects of Occupational Licensing in the Public Sector from June 2023 finds that being in a licensed occupation in the public sector raises wages by about 6% and increases hours worked, but reduces employment. The authors of the report conclude that “overall, our estimates suggest that the social welfare effects of licensing in the public sector are like those for the whole sample, and they generally result in a welfare loss in the public sector.”
New rules to ease child care licensing processes in South Dakota passed the Rules Review Committee. According to Dakota News Now on June 14, Governor Kristi Noem and the Department of Social Services, created these rules based on multiple “listening sessions” with providers; they found that providers felt concerned about paperwork, regulations and ratios.
The American Nurses Association disagrees with a recommendation from the American Medical Association that state medical boards license and regulate advanced practice registered nurses. According to the American Nurses Association on June 17, the AMA passed a policy amendment that recommends advanced practice registered nurses “be licensed and regulated jointly by the state medical and nursing boards.” ANA President Jennifer Mensik-Kennedy opposed the amendment, saying “U.S. nursing regulatory bodies have the authority and oversight because they understand the practice and principles of nursing to ensure that competent nursing care is provided by licensed nurses.”
Mont. Adopts New Laws Aimed at Alleviating Child Care Shortage
How Virginia is Trying to Expand its Workforce