No universal licensing for now

The Interim Study Committee on Employment and Labor finalized a final report Monday that recommended against interstate mobility of occupational licensing.

Sen. Linda Rogers, R-Granger, said those who did testify on the topic did not want to be included if the state moved forward with universal licensing recognition. She said they have successful compacts or procedures in place for their industries.

The analysis was meant to shore up worker shortages in key occupational areas, including health care.

The committee drafted a bill requiring the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency to study what other states are doing in terms of universal licensing. The agency also must contact the 40 different occupations and professions they license to get feedback and prepare a report for the General Assembly by the end of October 2024.

Indiana uses interstate compacts to allow licensed professionals more mobility — each customized to a specific profession and applicable to particular states.

There are four active agreements for doctors, nurses, physical therapists and psychologists, according to data compiled by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. Implementation of another three agreements, authorized in 2022 and 2023, is pending.

Universal licensing proponents say it makes it easier for licensed professionals to work elsewhere, without having to re-do strict requirements for a different state’s license, and without having to navigate a web of reciprocity options.

The concept has generated industry pushback. But for states facing worker shortages, like Indiana, it holds tantalizing potential.