Whether you’re a doctor, plumber, or engineer, applying for an occupational license is something many Americans must do before they can work in their field. But what happens if you need to move to a different state? Well, if the state licenses your profession, you sometimes may apply for a license by endorsement or reciprocity. Or you may need to go through the licensing process again, taking extra classes and exams for a job you already have experience in.
That is, unless that state has universal recognition, which makes it easier for any licensed professional from outside the state to come in and apply for a license. West Virginia currently has a universal licensing recognition bill scheduled to be signed by the Governor on April 7. But what exactly is universal licensing recognition?
Universal licensing recognition, or ULR, are policies that recognize the licenses of people who are moving into their state. Usually someone moving into a new state would apply for a license by endorsement or reciprocity. For endorsement, the licensing board for their profession would review their education background and experience to see if the incoming person meets the requirements for their state. Some licensing boards have reciprocal agreements with other state boards. These agreements help lower the barriers for specific licensed workers, which lowers paperwork burdens and the time a person is unable to work for movers moving between states in the agreements—but only for very specific and limited professions.
Reciprocity acts as a limited form of universal recognition. Reciprocity only lowers the barriers to entry between states that are part of the agreement for one profession at a time. Universal licensing recognition, on the other hand, lowers the barriers for any out-of-state licensed professional. West Virginia Senate Bill 458 aims to bring this more comprehensive universal recognition policy to the mountain state. Making it easier for skilled professionals such as CPA’s, barbers, and physical therapists to make our country roads their new home; all without having to jump over redundant licensing regulations paperwork like an Olympic hurdler.
In Senate Bill 458, skilled workers who are licensed in their home state and wish to move to West Virginia can do so without having to retake examinations, education credits, or have additional experience hours for their profession. So long as the skilled professional is currently licensed in good standing in their current state of residence, have been licensed for at least twelve months, have not had their license revoked, pay all fees for their West Virginia license, and meet all the requirements for a license in their home state. They will qualify for a license in the mountain state!
Some professions in our neighboring states that this universal recognition bill could help are veterinarians, speech language pathologists, and teachers. The requirements to become a licensed veterinarian in West Virginia are more complicated than Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio as seen in the latest Knee Center database release. Veterinarians provide a range of treatments and services not only for man’s best friend, but for every animal, big and small. Americans will do anything to make sure their fuzzy family members get the best care possible. With ULR, West Virginians can have access to more veterinarians and veterinary technicians, giving their pets the chance to have the best care possible.
Unfortunately, the mountain state does not have any formal reciprocity agreements for veterinarians with other states or allow out of state professions to apply via endorsement. So, any professional for our furry family members who wants to relocate to West Virginia must go through the entire licensing process all over again. This process might not take long to become qualified in West Virginia. However, any delay could cost veterinarians needed time in serving areas of the state that need it most and may cause these veterinarians to leave the profession entirely for new jobs.
Similarly to veterinarians, speech language pathologists have more restrictive requirements in WV than surrounding states, which makes it difficult for currently practicing providers to provide care across state lines. These professionals serve a crucial role in helping kids and adults with various ailments that affect their ability to communicate or swallow. Having more licensed speech pathologists can give peace of mind to many West Virginians who struggle with finding the necessary treatment and therapy. Currently, these professionals still face hurdles before they can make a difference in their community. Universal recognition will help break down these barriers for those wishing to work and plant roots in the Wild and Wonderful hills of West Virginia.
The teacher shortage has been a problem across the nation for many years, with West Virginia being one of the hardest hit states. Schools across the state are struggling to find qualified professionals to teach the future of America. To help address this issue, the state has created internal programs with the hope of keeping and educating the next generation of teachers. For example, a scholarship program provides a pathway if recent high school graduates promise to stay in the state and work for at least five years in a shortage area subject. The state also has a pilot program in 41 counties that aims to encourage young people into entering the teaching profession. The program provides a way to fast-track college students so they can graduate in 3 years.
These programs aim to provide future teachers with many opportunities throughout their studies, like hands-on experience, that will help them be in a strong position when applying for a teaching job. Looking for home-grown talent to fill in the need for qualified professionals is crucial, but equally important are policies trying to draw teachers from other states to help fill this critical employee gap.
Universal licensing recognition can help attract qualified teachers from across the country, boosting our state’s economy, and helping the mountain state reverse the loss of population seen over the decades. This gives us the chance to share the beautiful natural landscape of this state, our pepperoni rolls, and our exotic cryptids with incoming licensed professionals. And give them the opportunity to make our wonderful state their new home.
“Troy Carneal and Ethan Kelley are Legislative Analysts at the Knee Regulatory Research Center at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV.”
