Governor Mike Dunleavy has issued Administrative Order 335, which directs the state Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED), Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (CBPL), to cease certain secondary functions and issue licenses to qualified persons using an accelerated process. It’s being done to reduce administrative burdens on applicants for professional licenses and address the immediate need for expedited licensure.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy said:
“The purpose of this Administrative Order is immediately address the backlog of Alaskans who are waiting for licensure in order to legally enter the workforce in their chosen field. I took swift action to relieve licensing staff of various duties that detract from their ability to review and issue licenses, We must do everything we can to address delays in licensure, and Alaska’s professional licensing boards and staff need both the tools and leeway to modernize processes and remove unnecessary requirements that do not further public protection. State processes should not be a barrier to entering the workforce, and yet over the years an incredibly complex web of State Statutes and regulations has done just that.”
The coronavirus pandemic triggered large widespread resignations and recruitment challenges across the state and nation. These impacts have been felt across the state and, in some sectors, employment vacancies are extended and exacerbated due to delayed issuance of professional licenses. The office of Gov. Dunleavy says that, for Alaska’s economy to grow, the state’s workforce needs have to be expediently met.
Alaska needs an expanded and trained workforce. Delays in licensure result in trained and qualified individuals opting to relocate to other states, healthcare facilities failing to maintain minimum staffing levels, slippage on critical infrastructure and construction timelines, and reduced opportunities for economic growth.
DCCED Commissioner Julie Sande stated:
“I am so grateful for Governor Dunleavy’s support on this critical issue. The success of businesses throughout Alaska depends on our ability to quickly get folks out into the workplace. This issue is at the heart of our ability to grow our economy, strengthen communities, and protect consumers in Alaska. Empowering CBPL staff to focus on mission critical tasks will have an immediate impact on the backlog while staff work to continue to fill vacancies in key positions within the CBPL team. I also appreciate the understanding and cooperative approach that the licensing board members and staff have demonstrated as we work towards making right-touch regulatory changes.”
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