SHAPIRO ADMINISTRATION ’ S Priorities Take Shape in First Year
Executive Order Aimed at Improving Licensing Process
Citing concerns about inefficiencies that impact the Commonwealth ’ s workforce capacity , one of Gov . Shapiro ’ s first executive orders when he took office is aimed at improving the process for individuals applying to the Department of State ’ s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs ( BPOA ) for licenses , permits and certifications . His order calls for an across-the-board improvement for how each of the Commonwealth ’ s executive agencies handle initial and renewal applications .
Shapiro ’ s order requires a review of existing electronic systems that applicants use when applying for licenses , certificates , and permits . This entailed all state agencies , boards , and commissions compiling a list of what they issue , and the statutory requirements for the length of time it takes to process applications and fees , within 90 days of when the order was signed . The administration is now assessing this information and working to modernize electronic platforms and services to expedite the licensing process .
The administration also intends to establish a datecertain for when applicants should receive a response as to the status of their applications . Any executive agency that fails to meet the date-certain is required to refund the application fee .
While the administration is still working through the review process , the result will be of benefit to the dental community . So long as an application is complete , the licensing board will have a finite amount of time to process and issue licenses , certifications , and permits to dentists and members of the dental team . New dental , hygiene and EFDA school graduates ( and the dentists who hire them ) will have greater assurance of when they will be issued a license or certificate and can begin to practice .
Office of Health Care Workforce , Innovation and Reform
Another of Gov . Shapiro ’ s orders was to create the Office of Health Care Workforce , Innovation and Reform to address the issue of healthcare workforce shortages in the Commonwealth . The office is tasked with :
• Identifying licensing agencies that have overlapping responsibilities to reduce or eliminate redundancies .
• Eliminating employment barriers for healthcare professionals .
• Creating a strategic plan to coordinate the implementation of the Commonwealth ’ s Health Care Workforce Reform Agenda , which addresses the health care delivery system and infrastructure , practitioner burnout and turnover , and barriers related to geography , ethnic , racial , age or gender . The plan should also restructure the healthcare workforce system to sufficiently meet workforce needs , to include professionals who fall under the umbrella of physical health , oral health , behavioral health , long-term care and community-based services and supports .
• Establishing a health care workforce data center to help hold accountable all agencies tasked with related responsibilities and duties .
• Establish an advisory council of experts and stakeholders to advise and help implement the strategic plan .
The director of the newly established Office of Health Care Workforce Innovation and Reform will serve with the secretaries of other state agencies on the governor ’ s Health Care Workforce Reform Cabinet to help direct federal and state resources as the Commonwealth implements its strategic plan to tackle workforce shortages .
26 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL