NASCIO names cybersecurity, digital government services as top priorities for 2024
The National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) has unveiled its 2024 priorities list, with cybersecurity and digital government services jointly occupying the top spot, continuing cybersecurity’s 12-year streak as the leading concern. Notably, digital government services have ascended to share the No. 1 position from their No. 2 ranking in 2023.
A significant addition to the list is the inclusion of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and robotic process automation, debuting in the third spot. Legacy modernization holds its ground at No. 4, reflecting an ongoing focus on enhancing and replacing outdated systems. The priorities, derived from a survey of state chief information officers, guide NASCIO’s agenda for the year by influencing programming, publications, and events.
Doug Robinson, NASCIO’s executive director, underlined the critical importance of cybersecurity and digital government in addressing the increased demand for digital services. The introduction of AI reflects the growing role of emerging technologies in state government strategies. Read more at StateScoop.
Report shows potential benefits of generative AI for state governments
A recent report from the Boston Consulting Group estimates that generative AI could contribute $1.75 trillion annually to global government productivity by 2033, with the U.S. expected to see the most significant benefit at $519 billion per year. The U.K. and Germany follow with estimated benefits of $128 billion and $85 billion, respectively.
Generative AI is seen as particularly promising in areas such as education, healthcare, social assistance, public administration, transportation, and government operations. The technology’s potential includes freeing up public servants’ time from repetitive tasks, enabling them to focus on higher-value activities. Generative AI could also help synthesize and analyze public comments, identify common issues, and improve policy creation.
Despite the anticipated benefits, there are concerns about risks such as bias, data breaches, and misuse by malicious actors. To address these challenges, governments are urged to establish frameworks for responsible AI use, fostering innovation while minimizing potential risks. Recommendations for adopting generative AI include starting small, scaling up gradually, and addressing data management challenges. Read more at Route Fifty.
Mississippi investigates occupational licensing boards, commissions
Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson investigated one of the state’s 29 licensing boards last week as part of his effort to put a spotlight on concerns regarding occupational licensing requirements, finding that the board had failed to achieve quorum for the second time. This caused delays for applicants who had been waiting for months and underscored structural inefficiencies within the current licensing system overall.
According to Watson, small business owners in Mississippi must navigate roughly 600 regulations imposed by the state’s boards and commissions. He said these bureaucratic hurdles are time-consuming and costly, and that they hinder individuals from promptly starting their businesses. State Sen. Jeremy England said he shares these concerns and sees licensing as a hindrance to workforce development.
England recommended the state legislature keep an eye on licensing during the upcoming year. Previously, in 2021, the senator had introduced a bill aimed at removing professional licensing requirements for low-risk beauty services such as eyebrow threading. He stressed the importance of facilitating employment opportunities and avoiding barriers that prevent individuals from entering the workforce in Mississippi. Read more at WLBT.
Ontario moves to regulate tow truck industry
Ontario is implementing new regulations regarding tow truck services, taking control away from municipalities and introducing certification and a Code of Conduct for tow truck operators. The regulations aim to address issues of unethical billing, violent behavior, and inconsistent municipal oversight in the towing industry in Ontario.
Drivers can now decide who tows their vehicle and where it is towed, and they have the right to receive and review a “Consent to Tow” form and “Maximum Rate Schedule” before towing begins. Payment methods, including credit, debit, and contactless options, can be chosen by the driver, who will also receive an itemized invoice before payment and a receipt afterward.
Certification of all towing and storage operators in Ontario will be mandatory, and a government website will allow verification of a tow truck driver’s certification. A Code of Conduct, effective from January 1, 2024, requires tow and storage operators to exhibit professionalism, courtesy, and fairness, prioritize customer safety, and provide services transparently.
Drivers can report violations anonymously through the government’s complaints portal, which launches in late January. Auto insurers, who advocated for these changes, can now engage directly with towing and storage operators to expedite the claims process. The changes go into effect on January 1, 2024. Read more at Canadian Underwriter.
Nova Scotia considers expanding use of family practice anesthetists
Nova Scotia Health Minister Michelle Thompson is considering the expanded use of family practice anesthetists (FPAs) to assist hospitals in the province with ongoing workforce shortages. FPAs are family doctors with additional training in anesthesia, providing general and local anesthesia for non-complex cases. While this role has been utilized in other Canadian provinces, including Ontario and British Columbia, its adoption in Nova Scotia has been slow.
A two-month trial at Yarmouth Regional Hospital in March employed FPAs to expand surgical capacity, receiving positive reviews. Yarmouth, like other regional hospitals, faces challenges in maintaining a full complement of anesthesiologists due to a national shortage. FPAs are seen as a potential solution to enhance services. Minister Thompson emphasized the need to gather sufficient information and ensure a supportive ecosystem for both physicians and patients before expanding FPA use.
Opposition leaders, including Liberal Leader Zach Churchill and NDP Leader Claudia Chender, expressed disappointment at the slow progress, urging the government to act promptly to avoid losing valuable services and healthcare professionals. Churchill highlighted the potential loss of momentum from the successful pilot project if delayed action leads skilled individuals to seek opportunities elsewhere. For now, Thompson said she cannot provide a timeline for implementation. Read more at CBC.
UK government proposes new regulations for PAs, AAs
The U.K. government is initiating a legal process to establish new regulations for physician associates (PAs) and anesthesia associates (AAs) in the National Health Service (NHS). Calls for regulation stem from concerns about patient safety, as individuals in these roles, while fully trained, currently lack mandatory checks akin to those for doctors and nurses.
The government plans to regulate PAs and AAs through the General Medical Council (GMC), setting standards for practice, education, and training, and implementing fitness-to-practice procedures. It aims to bring about this change by the end of 2024.
Currently, PAs can join a voluntary register with the Royal College of Physicians. The proposed legislation would shift regulation to the GMC, aligning standards with those for doctors. Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins emphasized that the move aims to ensure that PAs and AAs adhere to the same rigorous standards as doctors, enhancing patient safety.
Critics have expressed concerns about potential confusion and called for a clearer distinction between PAs and doctors. Some argue that patients may not be aware that they are being treated by PAs instead of GPs. A mother whose daughter died after being misdiagnosed by a PA called for better patient protection.
The Doctors’ Association has also raised concerns, emphasizing the need for distinct identification for PAs, thorough verification during transitions to the GMC register, and a clearly defined scope of practice. The legislation is part of the government’s Long Term Workforce Plan to reform the NHS and create a workforce fit for the future. Read more at BBC.
FCA releases guidance consultation on ‘greenwashing’
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued general guidance to FCA-authorized firms regarding claims about the sustainability of their products or services, aiming to combat the issue of “greenwashing.” Greenwashing refers to firms making exaggerated, misleading, or unsupported claims about the sustainability of their offerings.
The Anti-Greenwashing Rule (ESG 4.3.1R) has been introduced by the FCA to ensure that sustainability-related claims made by authorized firms are fair, clear, and not misleading. The guidance applies to all FCA-authorized firms, including those approving financial promotions for unauthorized entities.
This initiative aligns with the FCA’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Strategy, unveiled in November 2021, which emphasizes the crucial role of the financial services sector in facilitating the UK’s transition to net zero and fostering a more sustainable future.
The Anti-Greenwashing Rule, along with the accompanying guidance, aims to enhance trust, credibility, and integrity in the sustainable finance market by ensuring accurate and transparent sustainability-related claims. Read more at Grant Thornton and check out the full guidance consultation here.
More news:
- Wisconsin passed three new pieces of legislation related to reciprocal licensing this week, enacting the Counseling Compact, the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, and the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, as part of ongoing efforts to address workforce shortages.
- The National Association of State Procurement Officials released its annual priorities list, with modernizing procurement processes taking the top spot. This shift reflects a heightened emphasis on updating states’ procurement methods, incorporating automation and computerization for solicitation, bids, contracts, and recordkeeping. Continuous process improvement ranks second on the list, followed by talent management and succession planning.
- The Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development announced that the implementation of its licensing regime for the recruiting and placement industry will be delayed until July 1, 2024. This comes after calls from members of the industry for a relaxation of some of the proposed licensing requirements, including the $25,000 irrevocable letter of credit as well as the associated deadline for filing a licensing application. Whether such policies will be relaxed remains to be seen.
- The Canadian government announced nearly $2 million in new funding to expedite the application process for international medical graduates seeking to work in Canada. Additionally, $3.5 million over five years will be allocated to create a national plan for the well-being of the health workforce.
Also noteworthy:
Interesting opinion, commentary, and analysis from the web:
- Better government through AI? A Q&A with Catherine Sharkey on how artificial intelligence could improve the federal regulatory process (NYU Law)
- Need a state AI roadmap? NASCIO has a guide for that (StateScoop)
- What to expect in evolving US regulation of artificial intelligence in 2024 (Foley)
- State can safely join more licensure compacts that help patient access to care, workers (Washington Policy Center)
- Lower workplace injury numbers show that regulation works (The Journal Gazette)
- The financial sector and the UK’s net zero transition (U.K. Parliament)
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.
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