Occupational Licensing Reform: A Step-by-Step Approach for Pharmacy Licensing Boards

Area of Science:

• Health Policy
• Regulatory Science
• Public Administration

Background:

• Occupational licensing reform presents significant challenges for state agencies.
• Streamlining regulations is crucial for fostering innovation and economic growth.
• Existing licensing frameworks can create barriers to practice and access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a replicable, step-by-step framework for occupational licensing reform.
• To demonstrate how licensing boards can reduce regulatory complexity and page count.
• To illustrate how reform can enhance practice environments while ensuring public safety.

Main Methods:

• Developed a framework based on the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy's (BOP) reform efforts.
• Emphasized establishing baselines, prioritizing reform areas, and setting clear reduction goals.
• Shifted to an enforcement-centric accountability model.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 75% reduction in the regulatory page count for the pharmacy board.
• Created a more permissive practice environment, leading to increased pharmacy services and improved access.
• Fostered innovation and economic growth, evidenced by significant industry investments.

Conclusions:

• The presented framework offers a practical model for licensing boards to reduce red tape.
• Regulatory efficiency can be enhanced without compromising health and safety standards.
• Successful reform supports economic development and improves service delivery.