UN chief backs idea of global AI watchdog like nuclear agency

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently backed a proposal by some artificial intelligence executives for the creation of an international AI watchdog body like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Spurred by the “deafening” warnings surrounding the risks of generative AI, Guterres announced plans to start work by the end of the year on a high-level AI advisory body to regularly review AI governance arrangements and offer recommendations on how they can align with human rights, the rule of law, and common good.

He called the idea of an artificial intelligence agency similar to the international agency of atomic energy “very interesting,” but noted that it would be up to U.N. member states to create one, not the Secretariat.

Guterres joins a growing chorus of experts and leaders who have expressed support for such an agency. Last month, ChatGPT’s creator OpenAI said that a body like the IAEA could place restrictions on deployment, vet compliance with safety standards and track usage of computing power. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also supported the idea and said he hopes to position Britain as the home to global AI safety regulation. Read more from Reuters.

Critics call Pennsylvania’s proposed plumbing license a ‘coup d’état’

Supporters and opponents are deeply divided over a proposed new licensing system for plumbers in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania is one of 14 states that doesn’t currently license plumbers. Instead, localities hold the responsibility of plumbing regulation. House Bill 390 would create a statewide system that would “streamline the licensing of these professionals by removing the guesswork for consumers and the barrier of opportunities,” according to Rep. John Galloway (D-Levittown), who proposed the legislation. The bill would appropriate $250,000 for a state plumbing board, and the new system is expected to bring in $4.5 million annually from licensing fees.

Advocates say that licensure is necessary for consumer protection and point to support from both union and non-union plumbers as evidence of the bill’s strength. They claim a lack of a consistent statewide system for licensing limits Pennsylvania plumbers from getting work in states with stricter requirements, and also shortchanges the government from out-of-state companies not paying all the taxes that Pennsylvania-based companies are required to pay.

However, opponents worry about a new licensing regime driving up costs and hurting other industries. They say the expansion of “plumbing services” to include installation, maintenance, extension, erection, repair, or alteration of piping related to stormwater and sewage — responsibilities traditionally understood as utility work — would upset the “delicate equilibrium” and essentially amounts to a “coup d’état.”

Critics urged legislators to look at less restrictive alternatives to licensure, such as private certification of plumbing skills or requiring mandatory bonding or insurance for plumbers. Read more from The Center Square.

Gov. Mills’ bill to expand abortion access in Maine advances

Democrats pushed Gov. Janet Mills’ later-in-pregnancy abortion bill through committee June 9 over the heated objections of outnumbered Republicans in a last-minute 7-3 vote, moving Maine one step closer to adopting one of the nation’s most progressive abortion laws.

The bill, L.D. 1619, would allow abortions with a licensed doctor’s approval after the 24-week window, which is typically when a fetus becomes viable outside the womb. Current state law allows for later-in-pregnancy abortions only when the life or health of the mother is at risk.

Rep. Matt Moonen (D-Portland) introduced an amendment intended to address fears of third-trimester abortions on demand after the bill was met by fierce opposition from Republicans, who say it is too extreme. As amended, the bill requires the approving physician to apply “the applicable standard of care” when approving a post-viability abortion.

Moonen’s amendment follows advice from the Maine Medical Association (MMA) to rely on the state’s professional licensing board to police the matter of whether a doctor has violated the “standard of care” for abortions. If so, the doctor could face discipline, lose their license to practice, or be sued for malpractice.

L.D. 1619 has enough support to carry simple majorities in both chambers and assure the bill’s passage if all co-sponsors remain committed. The bill now goes to the Revisor’s Office for language reviews before heading to the House and Senate for floor votes as soon as next week. Read more from the Sun Journal.

Nevada legislature rejects pharmacy board’s licensing requirement for out-of-state pharmacists

The Nevada legislature enacted Assembly Bill 107 on May 31, reversing the Board of Pharmacy’s interpretation that required Nevada pharmacist licensure for out-of-state pharmacists who dispense or compound prescriptions for Nevada patients.

Prior to July 2021, the Board permitted pharmacists to work under the umbrella of a non-resident pharmacy permit without the need for individual licensure. However, in late July 2021, the Board changed its interpretation and began requiring all out-of-state pharmacists who dispense and compound prescriptions into the state to obtain a Nevada pharmacist license.

Assembly Bill 107 clarifies that Nevada does not require Nevada licensure for every out-of-state pharmacist who dispenses or compounds a prescription to a patient located in Nevada. The legislation now requires a non-resident pharmacy to submit to the Board “[t]he name of at least one registered pharmacist who practices at the pharmacy, who may be the managing pharmacist or another pharmacist.” This pharmacist will be responsible for any prescription dispensed to a patient located in Nevada and will be responsible for any acts or omissions of pharmacy personnel who are not registered with the Board. Read full details of the legislation from JD Supra.

North Carolina moves to cover licensure exam costs for teachers

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper recently announced new funding to help cover the costs of state-required licensure exams for aspiring and beginning teachers as part of an effort to address what he called a “state of emergency” in public education.

Cooper said he’s directing $3 million from the federal Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund to provide support for educators to become fully licensed teachers. The funding will provide reimbursements for licensing exam costs or study materials for licensing exams, which can average at or above $450. The new initiative will help aspiring teachers as well as nearly 1,000 current teachers who need to pass an exam to remain in the classroom.

The announcement was part of a wider effort by the governor and State Superintendent Catherine Truitt to promote ongoing educational projects in the state, which include a major overhaul of teacher pay and licensure being pursued by the Board of Education. Noting that North Carolina currently has more than 5,000 teacher vacancies, Cooper called on the legislature to make “meaningful investments” in teacher pay raises. Truitt said they will continue to advocate for licensure reform to find ways to eliminate barriers to the teaching profession for aspiring educators. Read more from The News & Observer.

More news:

• Republican lawmakers on the Wisconsin legislature’s budget committee agreed to let the state hire more staff to reduce chronic delays in issuing professional licenses at the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), although they specified these positions would be temporary rather than permanent. But while the legislators reduced Gov. Tony Evers’ proposed budget for additional DSPS staff, they agreed to fully fund his technology request for the agency.
• Ontario is soon rolling out new licensing requirements for temporary help agencies (THAs) and recruiters. THAs and recruiters will be allowed to create and submit their licensing applications as of July 1, 2023. Starting on January 1, 2024, no person will be permitted to operate as a THA or act as a recruiter unless they hold a license, with limited exceptions.
• Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo signed new legislation into law which authorizes licensure of certified anesthesiologist assistants (CAAs) to provide anesthesia care in the state. Both the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and the Nevada State Society of Anesthesiologists (NSSA) applauded the move, saying that it will improve access to anesthesia services while ensuring patient safety.

Also noteworthy:

Interesting opinion, commentary, and analysis from the web:

• Generative AI is not entertainment — it is already a threat to our way of life (The Hill)
• Is the United Kingdom getting AI regulation right? (The Fashion Law)
• N.L. could have 180 new internationally-trained nurses working soon, with more on the way — but can we keep them here? (Saltwire)

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.