Ed Timmons

Ed Timmons, director of the NEI Regulatory Research Center, sheds light on how recent state reforms in occupational licensing are transforming employment landscapes. He discusses the significance of universal recognition, which enables licensed professionals to move freely across state lines, boosting labor migration. Timmons also highlights the restrictive nature of current licensing practices, particularly in healthcare, and the potential benefits of eliminating 'certificates of need' to enhance access and quality. These reforms pave the way for a more dynamic job market and improved consumer welfare.

Ed Timmons, Director of the NEE Regulatory Research Center, dives into the world of state-level occupational licensing. He reveals that a staggering one in three jobs requires a license, creating barriers to workforce mobility. Timmons questions the effectiveness of medical licensing and highlights the impact of excessive regulations on economic progress. He advocates for universal license recognition to ease transitions between states and discusses recent reforms in Ohio to improve board impartiality. The discussion underscores the need to streamline licensing to boost workforce participation.