California establishes licensing rules for crypto companies, kiosks
California Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed into law a bill that will create a licensing regime for cryptocurrency businesses. These businesses will now need to apply for licensure with the state’s Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), which will now have the power to conduct examinations of licensees, conduct enforcement actions, and levy penalties as needed.
Certain parties are exempt from the new licensure requirements, including most government entities, certain financial institutions, and those who use digital assets for personal, family, household or academic purposes. Users whose digital financial assets business activities are valued below $50,000 per year are also exempt from the requirements.
Gov. Newsom also signed a bill that establishes regulations for cryptocurrency kiosks, which will also fall under the purview of the DFPI. Under the new rules, crypto kiosk operators will be prohibited from accepting or dispensing more than $1,000 in a day or forming new customers via kiosks. They will also be required to disclose transaction details and provide receipts for all transactions. Read more at JD Supra.
WHO releases guidelines on regulating AI to improve health care
A new set of guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) offers a foundation for countries to effectively regulate AI to harness its potential for the health care field. According to the organization, these guidelines are designed to balance innovation with ethical responsibility and create a comprehensive framework for regulating the technology.
Some of the core principles discussed in the guidelines include transparency and documentation, comprehensive risk management, validation and clear intention, commitment to data quality, navigating complex regulations, and fostering collaborative governance. By following these principles, the WHO says governments and other stakeholders can create a more effective regulatory environment for AI.
An important element of regulating AI, according to the WHO, will be addressing the challenges of biases AI training data. Because the datasets on which AI models are trained are generated by humans, they may contain biases regarding attributes like gender, race, and ethnicity – biases which can then be inadvertently amplified by the models. Learn more about the guidelines at AZO Robotics or from the WHO’s official statement.
New legislation could streamline EMS licensure for Pennsylvania service members
A new bill awaiting approval from Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro could help to streamline the licensing process for veterans seeking to work in emergency medical services if signed into law. House Bill 404, sponsored by Rep. Dane Watro, passed unanimously in the state Senate and is now headed to the governor’s desk. Proponents say it could help to address the state’s ongoing workforce challenges.
The new law would ensure that military education and training are taken into account when considering licensure for former service members who seek credentialing in the emergency medical services field. This includes emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics. It requires certain state agencies, like the Department of Health, to consider military education, training, and experience when making such decisions.
The Department of Agriculture, which licenses food handlers and inspectors, would also be required to take military experience into account under Watro’s bill. The representative said his intention with the legislation is to make the transition from military life to civilian life more seamless for service members. If enacted, the law would take effect 60 days from the day of its signing. Read more at Times Leader.
Maryland CIO seeks to centralize state IT investment planning
According to Maryland state Chief Information Officer Katie Savage, the state will soon launch a council to convene state IT leaders with the aim of centralizing conversations about technology. The goal of this committee, says Savage, is to focus on each state agency’s priority projects and its long-term vision for government technology in Maryland.
Until now, the state’s approach to IT investment has involved agencies approaching the state government on an individual basis to ask for help meeting their specific IT needs. According to Savage, a centralized committee can create an opportunity to talk collectively and strategize cooperatively with regards to how the government invests in technology.
Savage recently appeared on a panel during Scoop News Group’s Google Public Sector Forum in Washington D.C., speaking about the value of piloting and implementing new digital government technologies in a human-centered way. Rather than trying to implement the most advanced technology available, Savage said governments should use implementation as an opportunity to learn where their systems can be improved. Read more at StateScoop.
Oklahoma lawmakers explore benefits of art therapy, licensure
Oklahoma lawmakers are considering the benefits of art therapy and the potential for licensure in an interim study session led by state Sen. Kevin Matthews. Art therapy, regulated in 15 states and the District of Columbia, emerged as a topic with the aim of reducing school suspension and expulsion rates. Matthews believes art therapy could positively impact education by helping students complete their studies and help prevent high school suspensions that reportedly cost $35 billion annually nationwide.
The study session showcased art therapy as a regulated mental health profession with integrative approaches to address conditions like depression, post-traumatic stress, and anxiety. Matthews said he sees particular promise in implementing art therapy in schools, aiming to reach and connect with students to keep them in school and set them on a path for lifelong success.
By recognizing art therapy as a mental health profession through state licensure, lawmakers anticipate protecting the profession’s integrity, attracting qualified therapists to Oklahoma, and potentially reducing government spending while generating new state revenue. The initiative aligns with a broader vision of investing in art therapy to save the state money in the long run and enhance the lives of young individuals. Read more at The Journal Record.
More news:
- A new investment recently announced by the government of Alberta will give $11 million to the creation of new registered nurse pathway seats and licensed practical nurse seats for internationally educated nurses in the province. Health Minister Adriana LaGrange says the move is intended to address the growing demand for health care professionals in the province.
- This week, the Yukon Legislative Assembly approved an amendment to the Registered Nurses Profession Act that intends to streamline nurse and nurse practitioner licensing and registration in the territory. The amendment also allows the Yukon Registered Nurses Association to enter into multi-jurisdictional licensing agreements.
- Last week, the Utah Supreme Court heard arguments to revive a sexual assault lawsuit leveled by 94 women against Dr. David Broadbent, an OB-GYN who is being accused of sexually assaulting them during medical exams. The debate between justices and plaintiffs primarily revolved around whether the case qualified as a medical malpractice case or a civil sexual assault lawsuit.
- A woman from Cedar Rapids is contesting the state of Iowa’s decision to revoke her license as a registered nurse over allegations of false credentials, arguing that she believed her degree from a Florida diploma mill was legitimate when she applied for licensure. Helena Dahnweih says the Florida school “preyed upon” her and that her application for licensure was made in good faith.
- Lawmakers in Colorado may soon codify recommendations from a sunset review of the state’s funeral home industry after nearly 200 bodies were found improperly stored at a Penrose facility earlier this month. Though regulators opposed a licensing regime for funeral service workers in the past, they are considering establishing one as part of the ongoing review.
Also noteworthy:
Interesting opinion, commentary, and analysis from the web:
- Employers in Ontario that leverage recruiters and THAs take note: New licensing requirements effective January 1, 2024 (Lexology)
- Opinion: Licensure changes boost providers, protect consumers (The Keene Sentinel)
- How state and local governments can serve citizens more securely (Dark Reading)
- Local governments band together to address use of AI (GovTech)
Disclaimer: The thoughts, opinions, and commentary of the articles we share links to in Week in Brief do not necessarily reflect those of Ascend Magazine or Thentia.
IN BRIEF
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