July 12, 2022
For Immediate Release
Utah Department of Commerce Opens New Office of Professional Licensure Review
The office will oversee reviews of all state-issued licenses for relevance and reliability.
SALT LAKE CITY (July 12, 2022) – The Utah Department of Commerce announces the official opening of the Office of Professional Licensure Review, a new government office that will take on the task of reviewing professional licensure requirements for all state-issued professional licenses with the goal of reducing unnecessary barriers for Utahns entering the professional workforce.
Professional licensing is required for approximately 25% of Utah’s professional workforce. The new Office of Professional Licensure Review, created by SB 16 in the 2022 legislative session, is a deliberate effort by the executive and legislative branches to keep licensing requirements relevant to workforce and economic needs, while still protecting public health and safety.
“One of my first actions as governor was to look at ways to reduce unnecessary red tape surrounding professional licensure in order to enable more opportunities for Utah workers,” said Governor Spencer Cox. “I’m glad the legislature shares the vision that ongoing, systematic review of licensing requirements is essential to the functioning of our workforce.”
The office will be housed within the Utah Department of Commerce, but will review licensure requirements for all state-issued professional licenses, including for professionals such as doctors, car salespeople, and teachers.
“This innovative approach to professional licensing is the first of its kind in the nation, and sets Utah up for long-term regulatory reform, strengthening our economy and opening doors of opportunity for Utah’s workers,” said Department of Commerce executive director Margaret Busse. “Having a regular, consistent review of licensure requirements will ensure Utah’s professionals are the best equipped to handle current professional standards.”
Busse appointed renowned public policy expert Jeff Shumway as the director of the new office.
“I am excited to take on this new and important role with the Department of Commerce,” said Shumway. “Effective professional licensing requirements balance the need for public safety, access to professions, and the availability and cost of professional services for the public. This effort will better position Utah for growing workforce opportunities in professional industries and thereby addressing the needs of individuals and families in Utah.”
Prior to his appointment, Shumway was a managing director at Social Finance, where he helped government, nonprofits and foundations use data and innovative funding structures to achieve better results. Shumway has consulted with many companies and nonprofit organizations on social impact and workforce development.
Busse recently wrote an op-ed article about the need for ongoing licensure review that was published in the Salt Lake Tribune. You can find the article here.
###
About the Department of Commerce: The mission of the Utah Department of Commerce is to strengthen trust in Utah’s commercial activities. We do this through regulation, enforcement, and education. The Utah Department of Commerce has nine divisions, representing various economic industries. More information can be found at commerce.utah.gov.
Media Contact:
Zach Whitney
Communication Director
Utah Department of Commerce
zwhitney@utah.gov
Cell: (385) 315-4536