Licensing Requirements Research Articles

Intelligent transportation system using wireless optical communication: a comparative study

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSs) are being proposed, examined, and applied to enhance road safety and traffic efficiency. However, the automotive industry has stringent criteria for safety applications that demand connections that are dependable and have low latency, and high data rates. In this paper, it is widely agreed that both Visible Light Communication (VLC) and Free Space Optics (FSO) represent promising solutions, because of their complementary advantages compared to Radio Frequency (RF). VLC technology is chosen in ITS overall other optical wireless systems primarily due to its low cost and lack of licensing or new infrastructure requirements. Hence, a comparative study is applied between standalone VLC system, and a hybrid FSO/VLC system in term of Bit Error Rate (BER), coverage distance, and Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). The VLC/FSO system provides a reliable communication link over a long distance (900 m) compared to VLC standalone system with 10−6 BER and acceptable SNR of ∼\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\sim$$\\end{document} 25 dB.

Implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices in Milk Processing Companies in Nairobi County and Microbial Contamination of Milk and Milk Products

Good manufacturing practice involves a series of measures to be adopted by the food industries in order to guarantee the safety and conformity of food products to specific regulations. Even though good manufacturing practices are vital systems in food safety and is associated with minimum sanitary and processing requirements for the food industry, only a few studies have reported GMP implementation by small milk processing companies. Therefore, the present study was undertaken in milk processing firms to evaluate the implementation of good manufacturing practices for control of microbial contamination in milk and milk products. Purposive, random and stratified sampling techniques was used to identify milk processing companies. Ten processing facilities were purposively sampled for the study. The representatives were interviewed, using a pretested questionnaire and data was collected and analyzed. All the processors had qualified personnel handling milk and milk products with a daily processing capacity of 20000-30000 litres. It was observed that the processors complied with all regulatory and licensing requirements and had in place critical process controls with majority indicating pasteurization at temperatures ranging from 80-90oC as the most common method. The processors had several food safety management systems such as ISO 22000, GMPs, and HACCP which were handled by trained and competent staff. It was observed that all the processors tested for total viable counts (TVC), and E. coli while only 50% and 33.3% of the processors tested for S. aureus and L. monocytogenes respectively. Furthermore, the processors (33.3%) reported E. coli as the main contaminant while L. monocytogenes were not detected. A majority (83.3%) had well-documented cleaning programs and had a system of controlling cross contamination which was enforced through different colour codes (66.7%), memos and notices (16.7%) and through colour coding of processing equipment (16.7%). In conclusion, the present study discovered that milk processors had implemented good manufacturing practices (GMP) and conformed to good processing practices.

ASSISTED LIVING ADMINISTRATORS’ UNDERSTANDING OF REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS IN SEVEN STATES

Abstract Each state requires assisted living (AL) residences to employ an administrator whose job responsibilities include oversight of resident care, managing staff, and regulatory compliance. This study surveyed administrators of 151 AL residences in 7 states. These AL residences reflect 28 license types (e.g., based on level of care, dementia care services). Administrators were asked whether there were any regulations, policies or procedures that required their AL to do any of 11 health-related activities (e.g., staff able to check vital signs, advance directive on file, reporting change in condition to resident’s healthcare provider). Using health services regulatory analysis, we documented the applicable regulations for each of the 151 AL residences, then assessed whether administrator responses were congruent with the licensed requirements. Almost all (95%) administrators of AL residences governed by a licensure requirement regarding change in condition reported this policy in their residence. In contrast, less than half (48%) of administrators who work in an AL in our sample that state law requires to keep an advance directive on file for residents reported that they did not have a policy to do so. Over one-third (37%) of administrators who work in an AL required to have a policy of non-pharmaceutical treatment for residents with dementia said that they did not have this policy in place. Some administrators reported the presence of policies in the absence of state requirements, suggesting that these AL residences exceed minimum requirements. These results vary by AL license type both within and across states.

CONTEXTUALIZING THE RANGE OF MEDICATION-RELATED REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS IN ASSISTED LIVING

Abstract Prior research has investigated the severity and scope of medication-related deficiency citations; less is known about the specificity of regulatory requirements governing medication-related practices in assisted living (AL). We examine the variation of regulatory specificity for two common policies: medication record review and administration. We coded state requirements for 196 AL licenses linked to 33,246 ALs in the U.S for the presence of specific requirements, weighted for increasing precision (1-4), summed and divided by the maximum value to produce a score ranging from no specificity (0) to maximum specificity (1). Medication record review specificity includes: regularly scheduled review of resident medications generally (1), by AL staff (2), or by a licensed healthcare professional (3). Specificity of staff who administer oral medication includes: direct care staff permitted (1), certified nursing assistant or medication aide required (2), licensed practical/vocational nurse required (3), registered nurse required (4). Most facilities operate under licenses that only require general review of residents’ medications (62%) and 32% required medication review by a licensed healthcare provider. Most facilities’ licensure requirements permit direct care workers to administer medications (63%) and 16% require a licensed nurse to administer. One in six facilities have requirements that do not address who is permitted or required to administer oral medications. Overall, 36% of facilities operated under regulations that had an overall specificity score ( management and administration) of 0.5 or higher. While most ALs are licensed with low medication policy specificity, understanding regulatory expectations can contextualize and inform medication practices within these settings.

Licensing Requirements for Poultry Veterinary Biologics in the United States.

The use of veterinary biologicals is an integral component of poultry health programs. All veterinary biologicals are licensed and sold by manufacturing firms under strict regulation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure purity, potency, efficacy, and safety of the product. The licensing process for a new vaccine is a complex process involving a defined set of studies for each type of vaccine that are performed by the biologics firm, according to approved protocols, with results submitted to the Center for Veterinary Biologics for review. There are 10 classifications of veterinary biologicals and four types of licenses. Manufacturing and testing procedures are also defined within the licensing process. Licensing requirements were initially codified into law. In addition, guidance documents in the form of memoranda and notices have been published to address licensing for additional classes of vaccines and disease agents. This overview of vaccine licensure in the United States is offered to provide a better understanding of the process, the participants, and the factors that influence the time required to produce a commercial product.

Mobile treatment for opioid use disorder: Implementation of community-based, same-day medication access interventions

BackgroundMedications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) are lifesaving, but <20 % of individuals in the US who could benefit receive them. As part of the NIH-supported HEALing Communities Study (HCS), coalitions in several communities in Massachusetts and Ohio implemented mobile MOUD programs to overcome barriers to MOUD receipt. We defined mobile MOUD programs as units that provide same-day access to MOUD at remote sites. We aimed to (1) document the design and organizational structure of mobile programs providing same-day or next-day MOUD, and (2) explore the barriers and facilitators to implementation as well as the successes and challenges of ongoing operation. MethodsProgram staff from five programs in two states (n = 11) participated in semi-structured interviews. Two authors conducted thematic analysis of the transcripts based on the domains of the social-ecological model and the semi-structured interview guide. ResultsMobile MOUD units sought to improve immediate access to MOUD (“Our answer is pretty much always, ‘Yes, we'll get you started right here, right now,’”), advance equity (“making sure that we have staff who speak other languages, who are on the unit and have some resources that are in different languages,”), and decrease opioid overdose deaths.Salient program characteristics included diverse staff, including staff with lived experience of substance use (“She just had that personal knowledge of where we should be going”). Mobile units offered harm reduction services, broad medical services (in particular, wound care), and connection to transportation programs and incorporated consistency in service provision and telemedicine access.Implementation facilitators included trusting relationships with partner organizations (particularly pharmacies and correctional facilities), nuanced understanding of local politics, advertising, protocol flexibility, and on-unit prescriber hours.Barriers included unclear licensing requirements, staffing shortages and competing priorities for staff, funding challenges due to inconsistency in grant funding and low reimbursement (“It's not really possible that billing in and of itself is going to be able to sustain it”), and community stigma toward addiction services generally. ConclusionsDespite organizational, community, and policy barriers, participants described mobile MOUD units as an innovative way to expand access to life-saving medications, promote equity in MOUD treatment, and overcome stigma.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELORS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR VIETNAMESE SCHOOLS Article-ID - 4649

Vietnam's education system lacks well-established school psychological counseling services, despite the crucial role they play. As the country grapples with increasing mental health issues and intense academic pressure among its youth, there is an urgent need to expand counseling programs. This article explores the advantages of comprehensive school counseling initiatives led by licensed mental health professionals. Extensive global evidence indicates that effective integration of counselors enhances mental well-being, academic performance, graduation rates, and overall development. Unfortunately, Vietnam currently only has one counselor available for every 35,000 students, leaving a significant portion of the youth without access to psychological support. Vietnam is advised to take certain actions to strengthen its counselor workforce, incorporate counseling services into schools' objectives, and establish a multitiered approach. These recommendations include the recruitment of more counselors, the implementation of licensing requirements, a focus on secondary schools initially, the delivery of targeted prevention and intervention services, close collaboration with educators, and the collection of program evaluation data. By making a concerted effort, Vietnam can fully harness the potential of school counselors to promote the well-being and success of the next generation. While expanding counseling services may require investment, the long-term benefits for youth development far outweigh the costs. The time has come for Vietnam to prioritize and expand this crucial aspect of education.

Licensing Requirements for Avian Vaccines Within the European Union.

Avian vaccines are a key factor when it comes to ensuring the availability of products derived from healthy poultry and preventing the transmission of infections from domestic and wildlife birds to humans. A marketing authorization for veterinary vaccines is granted after the product's quality, safety, and efficacy have been confirmed. During the licensing procedure, the manufacturing process is assessed to guarantee consistent quality and stability of the vaccine components. Furthermore, both the safety for the target species and the risk for the user, the consumer, and the environment must be demonstrated. In addition, specific tests and studies are required to support the efficacy of the vaccine. The authorization procedures and related licensing requirements for avian vaccines to be marketed in the European Union (EU) based on the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 Article 8 and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/805 amending Annex II to Regulation (EU) No. 2019/6 are explained in the paper.

Challenges and the Impact on the Performance of Ghanaian Universities’ Radio Broadcasting, the Case of Radio Universe 105.7fm.

The study sought to evaluate the challenges and effects of radio broadcasting at Ghanaian universities, with a special focus on Radio Universe 105.7FM. The study was conducted to get a knowledge of the issues connected with campus radio broadcasting, the impact of these challenges, and solutions to manage campus radio broadcasting. To achieve the study aims, a mixed research approach and an exploratory research design were used. The study made use of both primary and secondary data sources. The study included fourteen (14) people. To collect data from study participants, the researchers employed a self-administered questionnaire and an interview. Radio Universe operations are hampered, according to the study, by a lack of funds to run campus radio broadcasting, radio licensing and renewal requirements, businesses' unwillingness to place radio commercials on campus radio, infrastructure, equipment, logistics, and operations financing, particularly programming expenditures. The survey also discovered that campus radio station operations encounter difficulties in self-promotion and gaining the requisite personal knowledge to fulfill all commitments. The paper claims that radio operations fall short of society's expectations due to a lack of components judged appropriate for inclusion in public radio programs, which university radio cannot achieve. Managing campus radio operations, according to the research, needs proactive planning, sticking to a specific broadcasting goal, and hiring devoted workers. According to the report, Radio Universe may be managed by maintaining adequate logistics, awarding performance, establishing flexible work schedules, and rewarding stipends to student workers. As a non-profit organization, the report advised that Radio Universe's management seek financial assistance from Non- Governmental Organizations and the government. According to the findings, Radio Universe's human resource managers and leadership should improve their marketing strategies to acquire business patronage for their services. According to the findings, Radio Universe's operations are regularly updated to meet or anticipate the needs of their clientele. According to the report, Radio Universe should consider collaborating with other wellknown radio stations to address the challenges they face in their operations. The paper adds to the body of knowledge on campus radio broadcasting. The research also adds to the body of knowledge about the difficulties associated with campus radio broadcasting. The study also adds to the literature on the influence of radio broadcasting problems on radio station operations.

Backtalk: Removing artificial barriers to licensure could ease the teacher shortage

In this opinion essay, Jori S. Beck argues that current teacher shortages could be mediated by rethinking candidate licensure. She shares various examples of how local, state, and federal policy have prevented talented candidates from earning teacher licensure. She unpacks some of the requirements for licensure, including costs, and discusses actionable steps that could be taken by state and federal government agencies to support teacher licensure.

Politik Hukum Pengaturan Retribusi Perizinan Tertentu dalam Hubungan Keuangan Pusat dan Daerah

AbstractThis research aims to determine the dynamics of changes in the regulation of certain types of licensing fees after the enactment of Law Number 1 of 2022 concerning Central and Regional Financial Relations. The results of this research show that first, Law Number 1 of 2022 concerning Central and Regional Financial Relations (UU HKPD) revokes the previous law, namely Law Number 28 of 2009 concerning Regional Taxes and Regional Levies. Second, the HKPD Law regulates levies for Building Approval (PBG), Use of Foreign Workers (PTKA), and Mining Management. Third, the legal politics of changes to certain licensing levy regulations are motivated by several reasons, including: (a) efforts to synchronize the Job Creation Law and the HKPD Law; (b) Academic texts of the Job Creation Law and the HKPD Law which are not comprehensive; (c) policy of simplifying licensing mechanisms and requirements to strengthen the investment climate. The legal policy of issuing the HKPD Law has had juridical implications for regions, such as a reduction in regional autonomy authority because several permits which are the basis for regional levies have been withdrawn by the central government. This makes the authority to impose licensing fees centralized and results in a reduction in the potential for Regional Original Income.Keywords: Licensing Levy, Legal Politics, Central and Regional Financial Relations.

Educating the Sickle Cell Team about the Social Work Role

Background Sickle cell disease, an often-painful lifelong inherited condition, is layered with acknowledged social determinants of health and systemic social inequities (Hassell, 2010). Psychological stress, depression, and anxiety can be linked with the disease's wrath along with financial hardship, limited healthcare access, racial discrimination, and cognitive and behavioral challenges. Although the need for quality psychosocial support exists for this vulnerable patient population, lack of understanding of the social work role was identified as a barrier to care, along with others, by National Alliance of Sickle Cell Centers (NASCC) social workers at the 2022 consortium conference. Like other disease realms (Bartlett et al., 2022) that have referenced physician lack of knowledge around the breadth of roles, capabilities, training and expertise, the social work scope of practice knowledge gap amongst providers was voiced as a clear barrier to efficient and effective patient care in the sickle cell realm as well. As a result, a subcommittee of NASCC social workers set out to provide an educational guide and breakdown of the social work profession, to help address this ever-present issue. Methods Five social workers gathered data of the various social work roles from other NASCC social work participants and online sources. Job descriptions from seven institutions were shared for the project and an itemized breakdown of education level, practicum training and experience, and licensure requirements were outlined. Results A detailed table of all tasks, course work, training, licensure, and scope of practice was created and displayed in a presentation for all NASCC in person providers. For each education tier (BSW, MSW, PhD), details of the associated requirements (training hours and course requirements), licensure (CSW, LCSW, LMSW, LBSW, etc.), focus (macro, mezzo, micro) and scope of practice (tasks involved) were displayed via both a table and visual illustration for other disciplines reference and awareness. NASCC medical providers shared their appreciation for the detailed breakdown of social work levels and expressed the need for this guide to educate other interdisciplinary team members and administrative staff alike. Discussion Many medical providers are unaware that the term social worker encapsulates varied levels of education, training, licensure, and scopes of practice. It is important for interdisciplinary team members to understand the integral social work role, its capabilities, breadth of skills, and specific responsibilities. Whether a case manager, transition coordinator, or licensed therapist or counselor, knowing the nuances and qualifications of each position under the social work umbrella can help to better inform care processes, referrals, and appropriate access to quality care.

Utilization of accessible resources in the fabrication of an affordable, portable, high-resolution, 3D printed, digital microscope for Philippine diagnostic applications.

Philippine clinical laboratory licensing requirements mandate that diagnostic microscopy for Tuberculosis (TB) sputum microscopy, urinalysis, pap smears, wet smears, an option for complete blood count, stool exams, and malaria thick and thin smears should be accessible and available in health facilities including primary care centers. However, access to these essential diagnostics is hampered by the lack of trained personnel, relatively high costs for supplies and equipment especially in rural and underserved areas. This served as motivation for our team to utilize accessible resources in the form of affordable 3D printers, available CAD software, and components to build our low-cost Openflexure microscope (OFM) prototype. We successfully fabricated our prototype for a total of 310$ with a weight of 525g. We used pathology teaching slides from the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health and examined the OFM prototype imaging capabilities. The calculated image resolution was 13% higher compared to an LED light microscope sample captured by a mobile phone at 40x and 15% for 100x. The sampled slide images had adequate clarity with some identifiable cellular features for Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), Tuberculosis in soft tissue, and Ascariasis. We were able to correct the color aberrations of the OFM we built and was able to scan images up to 1000x magnification without using oil. Given the features and cost, the OFM prototype can be an attractive and affordable option as an alternative or augmentation to diagnostic microscopy in Philippine primary care. Moreover, it may enable telepathology to support diagnostic microscopy in frontline care.

Analysis of the Implementation of Marine Spatial Plans

The increasing pressure on marine ecosystems by various economic, social, and ecological activities has led to conflicts and a decline in the ecosystem's ability to provide marine goods. Marine spatial planning has become necessary for the coastal states to establish a more rational organization of marine space that integrates economic exploitation, social benefits, and marine environment protection. The beginnings of marine spatial planning date back to the 1970s, with successful initiatives in countries such as Australia, Ireland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Portugal. In southern Europe, initiatives like SHAPE in the Adriatic Sea discuss maritime boundaries and national jurisdictions, whereas in northern and central Europe, licensing requirements for wind energy and other marine activities play a significant role. Conflicts with maritime traffic, fisheries, and protected areas have prompted the initiation of marine spatial planning in Belgium and Germany. The multidisciplinary nature of marine spatial planning allows for the sustainable use of marine resources and the reduction of negative impacts on the environment. Conflicts can be minimized by considering the specific interests and spatial needs of various stakeholders, and the marine space can be utilized more efficiently. This paper examines the implementation of marine spatial plans across various levels, ranging from small national jurisdictions to large areas like Australia. The authors emphasize the significance of utilizing marine spatial plans as a basis for the development of marine spaces. By analysing the factors that define marine spaces and their activities, both present and future, conflicts can be prevented, and incompatible activities can be avoided in the same area. The findings highlight the importance of proactive planning to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources and the protection of marine ecosystems.

Use of GIS‐based multicriteria evaluation for improved selection of suitable sites for cage fish farming in Mwanza Gulf, Lake Victoria

AbstractStagnating capture fisheries and increasing fish protein demand necessitate aquaculture production to bridge the gap. Lake Victoria is a potential water body for increasing fish production through cage farming. The sustainability of Lake Victoria for cage farming depends on timely and holistic site selection. However, current site selection methods involve complex, resource‐intensive field surveys that lack a holistic approach to integrate multiple factors. Accordingly, information regarding suitable sites for sustainable fish cage farming in Lake Victoria remains scarce. In this study, a transparent geographic information systems (GIS) and multicriteria evaluation (MCE) here after reffered to as GIS‐MCE was used to reveal potential sites to be permitted or avoided during cage aquaculture development in the Mwanza Gulf of Lake Victoria (Tanzania). Our analysis involved weighting and integration of sub‐models representing ecologically sensitive areas, physical environment, and socio‐economic and water quality variables into a single spatial model portraying different site suitability levels in the Mwanza Gulf. The results indicated that the sub‐models identified relatively larger suitable and most suitable sites compared to the overall model. No site maintained its status across all sub‐models. The overall model designated a small area (5.10 km2 or 1.52%) as the most suitable site, with 24.20 km2 (7.44%) as suitable, 64.47 km2 (19.82%) as less suitable, and 42.63 km2 (13.12%) as unsuitable for cage fish farming. The remaining area (188.84 km2 or 58.06%) was a constrained site to be avoided during cage aquaculture development. Taken together, the individual sub‐models are ineffective in designating potential sites for fish cage culture and thus should not be used solely. The GIS‐MCE general model provides a fast and timely method for identifying potential sites for cage farming in Lake Victoria. Fish farmers and managers should use the GIS‐MCE overall model in inland waters to facilitate site selection for complying with licensing requirements and decrease field extensive surveys.

PENYELENGGARAAN PERIZINAN BERUSAHA MENURUT PERATURAN DAERAH KOTA BOGOR NOMOR 1 TAHUN 2023 (STUDI KASUS RESTORAN MIE GACOAN)

There are businesses in Bogor City that violate Article 10 of the Bogor Municipal Regulation No. 1, 2021 and do not have a business license. Its location is Mie Gacoan, located on Jalan Yasmin West Bogor. Originally, this Gacoan Mie restaurant had only NIB (Business Identification Number), i.e. corporate identity or registration mark. The government makes policy to govern the procedural arrangements established in accordance with the activities of Gacoan Noodles Restaurant. The question is whether the actions of the local government will be legally justified if the Mie Gacoan restaurant violates regulations in the Bogor city area but is allowed to continue as long as the regulations remain unclear. The research method used is normative research, the nature of the study is descriptive, the data used are primary and secondary data, library research is used to collect data, data analysis is qualitative, the inferential method uses deductive methods. Preferably, regional regulations should include general principles of good governance, licensing requirements and compliance with product standards such as the Job Creation Act and provisions of regional regulations. It should be consistent at Freies Ermessen.

Departmental conditions for professional learning of instructors in vocational and professional education

BackgroundFor vocational and professional education to remain relevant, instructors need to keep developing themselves and their practices. Much of instructor learning happens on-the-job. Drawing on literature on teacher learning in the workplace, this article explores how structural and cultural conditions shape professional learning of instructors in departments for post-secondary vocational and professional education in western Canada.MethodsA multiple case study approach was used to explore how instructors perceive departmental conditions as enhancing or inhibiting professional learning. Interview data, meeting observations, and program documentation was collected from 27 instructors from 5 departments in three institutes for post-secondary vocational and professional education. The educational programming in the five departments cover four industry sectors: two healthcare departments, one building trades, one business, and one social services department.ResultsStructural conditions reported to facilitate instructor professional learning at the department level include student feedback, job-rotation, coordinating work-placements, and whether participation in continuing professional development is a licensing requirement of the profession. Heavy workload and the way teaching is scheduled are most often reported as conditions inhibiting learning. Considering cultural conditions, three in-depth case descriptions illustrate how instructors draw on beliefs and practices prevalent in their original trade/profession when shaping their departmental culture as a learning environment.ConclusionsThe concept of sense-making proved useful to describe how instructors draw on elements of the occupational culture taught in the program when shaping their workplace as a learning environment. This influence of occupational culture could help explain previously observed differences in how instructors from various industry sectors engage in professional learning. Organizational support is warranted for facilitating organizational conditions for instructor learning including the development of departmental leaders’ capacity to influence workplace conditions for professional learning.

Strategies to Make Telemedicine a Friend, Not a Foe, in the Provision of Accessible and Equitable Cancer Care.

Telemedicine has the potential to improve access to cancer care, particularly for patients with functional limitations, high symptom burdens, or financial or geographic constraints. However, there is also a risk that telemedicine can widen healthcare disparities among patients facing systemic disadvantages like those with technological barriers, poor digital literacy, older age, or non-English language preferences. To optimize telemedicine usage, we must implement practical strategies like video onboarding programs, user-friendly technology platforms, optimizing the clinician's environment, and best practices for using interpreters. Policy changes such as state licensing requirements, controlled substance prescribing requirements, and payment parity are also crucial. This Perspective highlights these practical strategies and policy recommendations to ensure accessible and equitable cancer care augmented by telemedicine.

FINAL REPORT FROM THE FORUM ON NURSING PRACTICE REGULATION IN THE REGION OF THE AMERICAS MARCH 15-16, 2023

There are nearly 7 million nursing professionals in the Region of the Americas, representing more than 56% of human health resources. The regulation of professional practices promotes and protects professional integrity, ensuring professionals are competent and well qualified. The Forum on Nursing Practice Regulation in the Region of the Americas aimed to present the regulatory frameworks for the professional practice of nursing; discuss strategic actions to support professional regulatory bodies; analyze requirements for licensing and renovating licenses; and share successful experiences in nursing regulation. The Forum counted on the participation of 83 guests in-person, with representatives from 17 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean. The COFENplay platform registered the participation of 6,906 spectators. The debates in the event led to the proposal of the following recommendations: promote a national discussion with key-actors, including the Ministries of Health, Education, and Work and Employment, to advance regulation in the countries; recommend an intersectoral articulation with the topic of Human Health Resource regulation; generate a common base for the identification of information on regulation; and broaden the research about these topics, as well as the ability to generate and analyze data.

The influence of licensure on ABGC certification examination outcomes.

The genetic counseling field established ABGC certification and state licensure as professional standards for practice. All current state licensure laws require passing the ABGC certification examination, although states differ in their requirements regarding how soon after graduation the examination must be taken. Graduates in states without licensure can schedule the certification examination at their preference. This study explores the influence of licensure requirements on timing to take the examination and likelihood of passing the examination. Genetic counselors who graduated between 2017 and 2021 were invited to complete a 20-question survey that included demographic information, first-time pass rates, year of graduation and the month and year they took the certification examination. Usable responses were received from 246 genetic counselors who responded to the survey, a minimum response rate of 12.9%. Participants were largely female (92.7%), white (88.6%), and almost evenly divided between those whose first job was in a state with licensure (56.3%) and one without licensure (43.7%). Those who worked in states with licensure took the examination significantly sooner than those who worked in states without licensure (p = 0.028) and were 2.4 times more likely to fail the first attempt [95% CI = 1.08-5.49]). When asked about personal preference on timing of the examination, those who "would have waited if there were no licensure requirement" were almost 7 times more likely to fail the first attempt (RR = 6.81, 95% CI = 3.10-14.97). This study identified an association between state licensure requirements, genetic counselors' timing of taking the ABGC examination, and their examination performance. The data suggest that the element of choice is an important factor in pass rates. New graduates need to be aware of state-specific licensure laws' impact on their ability to choose when to take the examination.