Licensing Legislation Makes PA More Business Friendly, Says Gillespie
HARRISBURG – Making Pennsylvania more welcoming to businesses and individuals looking to relocate is the reason Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-Hellam) is backing licensing legislation that is advancing in the General Assembly.
“Right now, we don’t paint the most welcoming picture for anyone who is considering calling Pennsylvania their home,” said Gillespie, who supported the legislation when it passed through the House Professional Licensure Committee. “We need to do more in the way of regulatory reform and reducing red tape if we want to look more attractive and inviting, which is why I voted for House Bill 1172.”
The legislation, which passed the House unanimously and is awaiting a vote on final passage in the Senate, would make it easier for licensed professionals from out of state to obtain his or her license in Pennsylvania and get back to work more quickly.
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House Bill 1172 would allow across the board ‘licensing by endorsement,’ or granting a license to someone who holds the same license in another state, provided our Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) deems the requirements to be similar,” Gillespie added. “Right now, only 15 of the 29 licensing boards and commissions under BPOA have the authority to issue licenses based solely on endorsement.
“Making their transition from another state easier means less of an interruption in employment and income for someone who is thinking of moving here.”
Professions that do not currently license by endorsement include cosmetologists, auctioneers, barbers, chiropractors, dentists, funeral directors, massage therapists, pharmacists, podiatrists, engineer land surveyors, geologists and nursing home administrators. Medical and osteopathic medical boards provide endorsement for some of the professions licensed under them but not for all, including physicians.
“House Bill 1172 becoming law would add one more thing to the list of assets Pennsylvania has for someone who’s considering making a change of address,” commented Gillespie.
Questions about this or any state government issue should be directed to Gillespie’s district office at 717-840-4711.
Representative Keith Gillespie
47th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137
slittle@pahousegop.com
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