department of consumer affairs annual report 2001-2002 · pdf filecalifornia department of...

California Department of

CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Annual Report

Gray Davis, GovernorState of California

Aileen Adams, SecretaryState and Consumer Services Agency

Kathleen Hamilton, DirectorDepartment of Consumer Affairs

2001 –2002

© 2002 California Department of Consumer Affairs

This publication may be copied if (1) the meaning of copied text isnot changed or misrepresented, (2) credit is given to the CaliforniaDepartment of Consumer Affairs, and (3) all copies are distributedfree of charge. In other situations, expressed written authorizationis required.

Additional copies of this publication may be obtained withoutcharge by downloading it from www.dca.ca.gov or by writing to:

DCA Publications401 S Street, Suite 100Sacramento, CA 95814-6200

You can also call (916) 323-7239or toll free (800) 952-5210.

TDD only: (916) 322-1700

Visit the Department’s Web site at www.dca.ca.gov for moreconsumer information.

Annual Report

Gray Davis, GovernorState of California

Aileen Adams, SecretaryState and Consumer Services Agency

Kathleen Hamilton, DirectorDepartment of Consumer Affairs

2001 –2002

California Department ofCONSUMER AFFAIRS

California Department of Consumer Affairs

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Introduction

The California Department of Consumer Affairs – withits 43 entities licensing approximately 2.3 millionCalifornians in more than 230 different professions (as ofJune 30, 2002) – establishes minimum qualifications andlevels of competency for professionals. The Departmentlicenses, registers, or certifies practitioners, investigatesconsumer complaints, and disciplines violators. As aresult, professionals are protected from unfaircompetition from unlicensed practitioners, whileconsumers receive the protections and services theydeserve.

Additionally, the Department provides consumer adviceand education through its consumer education andoutreach divisions.

The Department submits to the Legislature the followingreports and Annual Statistical Profiles for 43 regulatoryentities. The Annual Statistical Profiles includesinformation about the number and nature of licenses,certificates, and permits. It also contains statistics onconsumer complaints, dispute resolution assistance, andthe savings and restitution obtained for Californiaconsumers.


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Energy Conservation

The “Flex Your Power” energy conservation programthat began in early 2001 continued its successfulconsumer educational efforts into the following year.The media and outreach campaign reached more than 95percent of California consumers with tips for reducingenergy use and recommendations to avoid using largeappliances during peak hours. The result was an average8.37 percent reduction in energy use during 2001,reaching a high of 14.1 percent energy use reduction in asingle month. When hot weather returned in 2002,consumers again demonstrated their commitment toreducing energy usage. In June of that year, electricitysavings reached a high point of 11.2 percent.

By late 2001, the messages of the campaign were evidentin the minds of consumers. The percentage that correctlyplayed back specific descriptions of the “Flex YourPower” campaign increased significantly from 35% inearly 2001 to 53% for those aware of conservationmessages.

The Department’s energy conservation campaign alsocontinued to promote California’s “20/20” utility rebateoffer. For the second straight year, more than 30 percentof California consumers participated in the program.

Listening to Consumers

The Department’s Consumer Information Center handledmore than one million consumer calls over the past year.The calls included general inquiries about consumerissues, as well as questions about licensing. The Centeralso took consumer call that lodged complaints againstparticular licensed professionals or businesses.

Several of the Department’s entities use a customersatisfaction survey to gain feedback from consumers who


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filed a complaint against a licensed professional orbusiness. Such surveys are used to determine if theperson filing the complaint was satisfied with the serviceprovided by the Department. (For example, did therepresentative understand the complaint, was therepresentative courteous and helpful, and would theperson filing the complaint recommend the services toothers?)

Office of Information Services

The Department’s Office of Information Servicescontinued to expand online services for California’slicensees and consumers.

The Department’s eGovernment Center teamed up withthe Department of General Services to pilot an onlinelicensing project, creating better access to several boardsand bureaus via the Internet. The efforts immediatelybenefited more than one million professionals statewidewho are licensed in the following professions: Barberingand Cosmetology, Dentists, Dental Auxiliaries,Physicians and Surgeons, Psychologists, RegisteredNurses and Security Guards.

The Professional Licensing and EnforcementManagement System project is currently under reviewand, if implemented as planned, will integrateapplication, licensing, and enforcement data for eachlicensee into a single electronic system. When fully inplace, this system will allow consumers to obtain moredetailed information about individuals and businesseslicensed by the Department.

The Department’s Web site also provides consumers withthe option of filing complaints online. The Department'sWeb site gets more than 400,000 visitors each monthwho view 850,000 virtual pages.


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Legal Affairs Division

The Legal Affairs Division serves as counsel to theDepartment’s boards, commissions, and programs. TheDivision drafted and reviewed more than 100 rulemakingpackages and attended more than 200 formal meetingswith client agencies.

The Legal Affairs Division assisted the Department’sCommunication and Education Division in the revisionof numerous consumer publications. These include theDepartment’s most requested consumer publication,“California Tenants – A Guide to Residential Landlords’and Tenants’ Rights and Responsibilities.” The Divisionalso assisted in revising and updating the booklets, “TheDOs and DON’Ts of Using the Small Claims Court” and“Lemon Aid for Consumers.” The Legal Division is alsorevising the “Consumer Law Sourcebook for SmallClaims Court Judicial Officers,” used by small claimsjudges and advisers statewide, and recently completed anew publication on consumer resources when firms theyare doing business with file for bankruptcy.

The Legal Affairs Division provided training to variousgovernment programs that serve the public andconsumers. Division staff trained more than 100 boardmembers on their legal responsibilities and more than400 attorneys who serve as small claims court judges, aswell as scores of small claims advisers. The Divisionalso provided training on federal and California debtcollection law to the Department’s Consumer Relationsand Outreach Division, the Bureau of AutomotiveRepair’s mediation unit, the Office of Privacy Protection,and the California Consumer Affairs Association at itsannual meeting.


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Communications & Education Division

Throughout the year, the Department’s Communications& Education Division issued a series of Consumer Alertson topics ranging from misleading get-out-of-debtpromotions to bogus claims surrounding magneticmattress pads.

The Division also published several new resource guidesfor California consumers. These include:

• Contracting with Spanish-Speaking Customers: AGuide to Business Operators' Responsibility underCalifornia Law

• Memberships in Health Clubs, Spas and Studios• Lemon Aid for Consumers (English & Spanish)• California's Lemon Law: 20 Years of Putting the

Squeeze on Lemons• Professional Therapy Never Includes Sex• Summer Driving Tips for Getting Your Car in Shape• The DOs and DON'Ts of Using the Small Claims

Court• Bureau of Barbering and Cosmetology Health and

Safety Guide• California Tenants: A Guide to Residential Tenants'

and Landlords' Rights and Responsibilities

Task Force on Culturally and Linguistically CompetentPhysicians and Dentists

In 2002, the Department continued its work with theTask Force on Culturally and Linguistically CompetentPhysicians and Dentists. Co-chaired by the Director ofthe Department of Consumer Affairs and the Director ofthe Department of Health Services, and composed ofthirty-seven subject matter experts, the Task Force ischarged with making recommendations to the Legislature


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in 2003 about ways to improve the cultural and linguisticcompetency of health care providers throughout the stateand how to encourage these providers to practice inmedically underserved communities.

To inform the Task Force discussions and subsequentrecommendations, the Task Force convened six publichearings in 2002 to hear directly from Californiaconsumers about their health care needs. Hearings wereheld in San Diego, Salinas, Oxnard, Bell Gardens, SanFrancisco and Sacramento. At these hearings, the TaskForce received testimony from over fifty consumers andeighteen providers who are currently living and workingin medically underserved communities.

To achieve the goal of expanding access to linguisticallyand culturally competent care, the Task Force hasconsidered changes to medical and dental schoolcurriculum, continuing education requirements forlicensed physicians and dentists, a variety of outreachmechanisms to expand the number of culturally andlinguistically competent health care providers, as well as,developing a common set of key cultural elementsrequired for competency.

The Department has been pleased to work closely withthe Medical Board and the Dental Board on this projectand looks forward to submitting the final Task Forcereport to the Legislature in early 2003.

Arbitration Certification Program

The Arbitration Certification Program sponsored the 20th

anniversary celebration of enactment of California’sLemon Law, which received media coverage throughoutthe state. The event enabled the Program to distribute anupdated Lemon Aid for Consumers booklet in Englishand Spanish, highlighting benefits of the Lemon Law toCalifornia consumers.


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The Program monitored 15 arbitrator training sessionsand 500 arbitration hearings throughout California.California consumers who filed for arbitration with statecertified arbitration programs recovered $41,230,028from manufacturers during calendar year 2001.

The Program certified Toyota’s Dispute SettlementProgram, raising the percentage of arbitration cases itnow oversees to 83 percent.

The Program participated in 20 outreach and educationalevents to inform consumers of their Lemon Law rightsand the benefits of arbitration. It also arranged for theproduction of four Spanish-language public serviceannouncements to be aired statewide on Spanish-language television stations.

Office of Privacy Protection

The Department’s Office of Privacy Protection is the firstof its kind in the nation dedicated to protecting individualprivacy rights. California ranked first among the statesfor protecting personal privacy in an October 2002 listingby the Privacy Journal, the nation’s leading privacypublication. In the eight months following its opening inNovember 2001, Office staff provided individualassistance by phone, e-mail, and letter to more than 2,000consumers.

The Office helped implement a new law that makes iteasier for identity theft victims to pursue their cases. TheOffice serves as the state clearinghouse for lawenforcement to report non-compliance with the new lawand intervenes when necessary to bring aboutcompliance.


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The Office published guidelines for businesses and otherorganizations on how to protect the key to identity theft –Social Security numbers. The Office’s RecommendedPractices on Social Security Confidentiality is based onthe widely accepted Fair Information Practice Principles,with input from an advisory group of business, consumer,and privacy advocacy representatives.

The Office stepped forward to offer assistance to stateemployees following a security breach that could haveexposed their personal information. The Office providedinformation and assistance on a dedicated Web page, in amailing to all employees, on its telephone line, inworkshops, and on a video distributed to state agencies.The Office also arranged for special handling of stateemployee concerns with credit reporting agencies.

BUREAU HIGHLIGHTS

Bureau of Automotive Repair

Consumers can now look up the license status and someof the complaint history of any registered AutomotiveRepair Dealer on the Bureau of Automotive Repair’s(BAR) Web site. The site also includes the license statusof Smog Check, Lamp and Brake stations andtechnicians, and the Smog Check history of any vehiclein the state.

In 2001/02, the Bureau implemented a pilot Auto BodyInspection Program. Of 766 vehicles inspected, BARdiscovered fraud in 328 (43%). The average amount ofthe fraud was $795. The final findings of the pilot willbe reported to the Legislature by September 2003.

In follow-up to a trade agreement entered into in 2000,BAR worked with City of Tijuana, Mexico officials toimplement a Smog Check inspection program in that


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community. In February 2002, Tijuana Mayor JesusGonzalez-Reyes brought a delegation to Sacramento tovisit BAR Headquarters and develop a plan for theemerging partnership. Bureau officials also held sessionsin Tijuana to assess the size and mechanical condition ofthat government’s vehicle fleet, as well as the knowledgeand technical skills of the fleet’s technicians. BARdeveloped vehicle inspection procedures for the projectand provided training for eight of Tijuana’s technicians.The Bureau donated three Smog Check machines to theproject, which had been previously confiscated as a resultof fraud investigations by the Bureau’s EnforcementDivision. Vehicle testing in Tijuana is expected to beginin 2003.

BAR performed more than 14,000 Quality Assuranceinspections of stations participating in the state’senhanced Smog Check Program. BAR also completed5,000 hands-on examinations of licensed Smog Checktechnicians. Of the noted deficiencies, 74% of thestations and 82% of the Smog Check technicians werebrought into compliance with BAR regulations. BARstaff also conducted over 4,000 gas audits of enhancedSmog Check stations’ emission analyzers.Approximately 25% of the analyzers audited requiredrepair to bring them into compliance.

Bureau of Barbering and Cosmetology

The Bureau of Barbering and Cosmetology now offersonline services for all of its licensees. These servicesinclude renewal of licenses for barber, barber instructor,cosmetologist, cosmetology instructor, electrologist,esthetician and manicurist as well as online examapplications.

A new regulation relating to cleaning and disinfectantprocedures for whirlpool foot spas went into effect thispast year. The regulation is a result of the Bureau’s


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investigation of a case involving a nail salon responsiblefor the transmission of mycobacterium fortuitum bacteriaamong more than 100 pedicure patrons.

Effective January 1, 2003, the structure of this programwill shift from a Department-administered bureau to anindependent Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Thenew board will consist of nine members, with a publicmember majority. The Governor will appoint sevenmembers; the Senate Committee on Rules and theSpeaker of the Assembly shall each appoint one member.

Cemetery and Funeral Bureau

The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau continued its criminalinvestigation of Woodlawn Cemetery in Compton, whichresulted in criminal charges brought against its owner bythe Los Angeles County District Attorney. The Bureaualso obtained an Interim Suspension Order against afuneral establishment in San Diego and against its owner.In addition, the Bureau revoked the licenses of two LosAngeles funeral establishments and the licenses of itsowners. The Bureau worked with the Riverside CountySheriff and District Attorney to investigate a LakeElsinore crematory, resulting in criminal charges.

Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair

Consumers are now able to learn more about the Bureauof Electronic and Appliance Repair (BEAR) through itsnew Web site. The online service provides informationabout the Bureau and the ways that it protects consumers.The Bureau teamed up with Goodwill Industries of SanDiego to recycle personal computers and other consumerelectronic products. During Fiscal Year 2001/02, BEARlaunched 29 undercover operations to reduce consumerfraud in the electronic and appliance repair industries.


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Hearing Aid Dispensers Bureau

The Hearing Aid Dispensers Bureau and its AdvisoryCommittee is focusing on the review of bylaws andregulations identified by the Joint Legislative SunsetReview Committee, thus ensuring the competency ofhearing aid dispensers. The Bureau also increased itsoutreach efforts to inform consumers of the services itprovides.

Bureau of Home Furnishings and ThermalInsulation

Recently enacted legislation (AB 603 – John Dutra, D-Fremont) mandated the Bureau of Home Furnishings andThermal Insulation develop a new open flame standardfor mattresses, box springs and bedding material. TheBureau is conducting research and testing of mattress andbedding material flammability. The outcome of thisresearch and testing will be the foundation for newconsumer-protection standards that are to be in place byJanuary 2004.

The Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulationis developing an update of the upholstered furnitureflammability standard that has protected Californian’s formore than 25 years. The Bureau’s goal is to enhance thestandard so it reflects advances in science and producttechnology. The updated standard’s performance-basedflammability specifications are intended to protectconsumers, as well as to encourage industry use ofeffective, efficient and innovative compliance strategies.

The Bureau responded to numerous complaints fromconsumers about magnetic mattress pads. The expensivepads were marketed to elderly residents with claims theyare effective medical devices. The Bureau partnered withthe Department’s Division of Investigation and several


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other law enforcement agencies to investigate companiesthat promoted such products. The ongoing investigationhas, so far, resulted in several misdemeanor arrests bylocal authorities, as well as the Attorney General’s filingof a $1.5 million civil lawsuit against one magneticmattress pad company.

Bureau for Private Postsecondary and VocationalEducation

The Bureau for Private Postsecondary and VocationalEducation has actively maintained the licensing andapplication process for about 3,000 schools operating inCalifornia. The Bureau has served as a resource forinformation and guidance for students faced with schoolclosures. More than 25,000 veterans are offered servicesrelating to educational programs through a contract withthe federal Veterans Administration.

Bureau of Security and Investigative Services

Under legislation that goes into effect on January 1,2003, security guard applicants will no longer be able towork while their criminal background checks are beingcompleted. Consequently, speeding up the licensingprocess has been crucial and the Bureau of Security andInvestigative Services has made significant progress inthat area. A new online application system, Live Scanelectronic fingerprinting and an "interface" between theCalifornia Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureauthat updates law enforcement clearances electronically,have cut processing to approximately ten days and, inmany instances, even less time.

The Bureau’s enforcement staff is now part of the“underground economy” multi-agency task force thatidentifies unlicensed activity. Two new manuals,Firearms Training and Powers to Arrest, have been


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completed and are available in print and on the Bureau’sWeb site.

BOARD HIGHLIGHTS

Board of Accountancy

In January 2003, California will have the first publicmember majority Board of Accountancy in the nation.

The Board examination process, enhanced by recentlegislation, now allows two career “pathways” to theCalifornia CPA license, including one pathway that aidsinterstate mobility. The Board also enhanced securitymeasures to discourage cheating on the CPAexamination.

To address consumer concerns following the Enronbankruptcy, the Board organized an Audit Standards andPractices Review Task Force composed of Boardmembers, members of Board committees, andrepresentatives of both professional and consumergroups. The Board and its task force developedrecommendations for reforms in accountancy practices.

Governor Davis signed a package of legislation that grewout of the task force’s recommendations. This includedauthorization of the first public member of a major boardand another bill discouraging conflict of interest bypreventing those involved in an audit from immediatelyhiring on with a company that was audited.

Acupuncture Board

The Acupuncture Board completed an occupationalanalysis of the acupuncture profession, which defines thepractice in terms of the actual tasks that acupuncturistsmust be able to perform at the time of licensure and serve


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as the basis of the examination program. The Board’sfirst consumer brochure was developed, printed anddistributed. The Board redesigned its Web site, making iteasier for consumers to request publications andinformation, and for licensees to file address changesonline.

Board of Behavioral Sciences

The Board is now using Applicant Live Scan for itscriminal background checking, making it easier for theDepartment of Justice and the Federal Bureau ofInvestigation to respond quickly. The Board’s Web sitenow includes a “Verify and Search Licenses” feature thatallows consumers to check on the status of licenses.

Contractors State License Board

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) addressedmore than 25,000 consumer complaints during the year.Nearly 2,300 citations were issued with close to 1,000cases referred to District Attorney offices. A total of 456licenses were suspended and 736 were revoked. TheBoard conducted training for all administrative lawjudges that will hear CSLB arbitration cases.

The Board successfully sponsored legislation thatexpands its complaint disclosure policies, allowing publicdisclosure of the details of certain consumer complaints.Only the most serious cases that present a risk to thewell-being of consumers will be disclosed.

The Board's Web site employs a user-friendly licensestatus check to assist consumers, and a real-time licenseapplication status check for applicants. Also, the Boardlaunched four public awareness campaigns, including thesummer Senior Scam Stopper campaign. Additional


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campaigns are planned to help consumers selectreputable contractors.

Court Reporters Board of California

The Court Reporters Board of California began anoccupational analysis of court reporting and launched anupdated test validation program. The Board has madesignificant strides in helping improve the passage rateson its certification exam. It also modified and increasedcourt reporters school teacher qualifications andstandardized student school qualifier tests to ensure thesolid training of future court reporters. The Board nowrequires these schools to make students aware of allschool exam and graduation requirements.

During the past year, the Board received the authority tocite and fine court reporting schools that violatestandards. The Board has taken one action so far.

Dental Board of California

This was a restructuring year for the Dental Board ofCalifornia. Senate Bill 134 dissolved the previous Board,terminated the Executive Officer, and reconstituted a newboard on January 1, 2002. The Board is currentlydeveloping regulations to implement a “Licensure byCredential” program. This will allow licensed dentistsfrom other states who meet certain criteria to apply for alicense without taking the California licensingexamination.

The Department also implemented a Dental BoardEnforcement Monitor to make sure the Board iseffectively protecting California consumers.


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Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors

The Board for Professional Engineers and LandSurveyors solicited comments and input for the purposeof adopting a Code of Professional Conduct. The Boardis looking to establish a system of fingerprint/criminalrecords checks to help maintain engineeringprofessionalism. The Board established a “take-home”exam on its Web site, assisting those interested in gettingtheir licenses. The Board supplied information andattended forums pertaining to the Title Act Studymandated by the Legislature.

Board for Geologists and Geophysicists

The Board for Geologists and Geophysicists teamed upwith regulators in other states to facilitate “cooperativelicensure.” This makes it easier for Californians to hirelicensed individuals who can perform earthquake faultinvestigations, resource extraction (gold, oil, gas, sand,gravel, etc.), and environmental investigations. TheBoard increased enforcement activity, issued manycitations for unlicensed and negligent practices, andaccepted the surrendering of a Registered Geophysicist’slicense.

State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind

The Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind continues itsoversight of the physical and financial conditions at thethree guide dog schools in California, for which it haslicensing authority. The Board conducts regular on-siteinspections of school facilities and administerscomprehensive tests for new applicants seeking guidedog instructor licenses.

The Board seeks to promote and protect the interests ofCalifornians by assuring donated funds are used


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appropriately and that graduated teams have the bestpossible training for safety and mobility.

Medical Board of California

The Medical Board of California launched an onlinelicense renewal system, enabling physicians to renewtheir licenses through the Board’s Web site. First-timeapplicants can use the system to complete a basicapplication and submit their initial application processingfees.

The Board has a special unit of investigators who protectconsumers by seeking out unlicensed practitioners.Operation Safe Medicine investigators filed 20unlicensed practice cases with prosecutors and servedeight search warrants in the last year. The Board will bebringing on people to monitor investigations and evaluateenforcement effectiveness.

To address the Board’s concern about providinghealthcare to underserved populations, the Boardproposed a loan payback program for physicians servingin such areas. This step was taken to also improve thehealthcare of diverse populations and to eliminate healthcare disparities between cultures.

The Board’s Committee on Public InformationDisclosure developed guidelines geared at providingmore information to consumers. As a result, individualphysician profiles on the Board’s Web site will be mucheasier to read and update daily. This site may alsoinclude information on reported malpractice settlementsand details about pending legislation.


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California Board of Occupational Therapy

The newly created Board of Occupational Therapyopened its doors January 1, 2001 and has completed itsfirst full year of operation. The Board started quickly,adopting several licensing regulations and proposing twonew regulations to enhance consumer protection. Onewould establish ethical standards for therapists, while theother would address the way fines are assessed. TheBoard is also proposing legislation that containsdisciplinary provisions and advanced practicerequirements.

Osteopathic Medical Board

The Osteopathic Medical Board has just completed itsfirst year of operation under the Department of ConsumerAffairs. The switch included a massive overhaul of howlicense enforcement information is stored and utilized.The rapidly increasing amount of license applications isbeing processed without additional staffing. The Board’snewly enhanced Web site now allows consumers toobtain complaint forms on-line, learn more aboutosteopathic physicians and surgeons, look up laws andregulations and research individual license holders.

Board of Pharmacy

The Board of Pharmacy implemented regulationsrequiring every California pharmacy to develop qualityassurance programs to prevent prescription errors.California is the first state in the nation to require such avital consumer protection program.

The Board sponsored five legislative proposals thatbecame law, including laws that allow pharmacies todispense federally subsidized drugs to indigent patientsof eligible clinics and another to require specialized


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practice environments for those pharmacies thatcompound medications.

The Board expanded its authority to issue citations andfines for any violation of pharmacy law. Additionally,the Board has authority to issue a $25,000 fine perviolation to any person who dispenses prescriptionmedications via the Internet without a valid prescription.In May 2002, the Board issued an $88 million fineagainst a Los Angeles pharmacy and two pharmacists fordispensing dangerous drugs via the Internet in thismanner to more than 3,500 California patients.

California is experiencing a pharmacist shortage that isprojected to grow worse in future years. To assure thatCalifornians will continue to have access to pharmacists’care and prescription services, the Board convened a 15-member task force to generate proposed solutions to theshortage and issued a final report that includedrecommendations on 16 proposed solutions.

Physical Therapy Board of California

The Physical Therapy Board of California expanded itsonline services by allowing license verification on itsWeb site and online registration for examinations.

Board of Podiatric Medicine

The Board is moving from an oral licensing test ofclinical competence to a nationally computerized oneoffered in testing centers throughout the state. The Boardhas also endorsed a national model law developed by theFederation of Podiatric Medical Boards based on criteriarecommended by the Pew Health ProfessionsCommissions.


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The Board has enhanced its consumer informationdistribution procedure in order to provide more detailsabout the professional status of its licensees.

Board of Psychology

Applicants can now take the Professional Practice inPsychology and the California Jurisprudence andProfessional Ethics examinations by computer-administered format. Licensed psychologists can nowrenew their licenses online at the Board of Psychology’sWeb site. Additionally through the Web site, one canapply for a license, request a duplicate license, or submita change of address.

The Board eliminated the oral examination because it didnot meet the standards established in section 139 of theBusiness and Professions Code. Thanks to anamendment to the Psychology Licensing Law, the Boardmay once again review and accept or reject degreesearned outside the United States and Canada.

Board of Registered Nursing

The Board of Nursing is taking a lead role inimplementing the Governor’s Nurse Workforce Initiativeto increase the number of licensed nurses in the state.The Board developed a Web site to provide informationon how to become a nurse, obtain financial aid, return tonursing, and recruit future nurses. The Board alsoapproved four additional nursing education programs tocreate more opportunities for students.

Respiratory Care Board

The Respiratory Care Board launched its “Online LicenseVerification” service, so consumers can easily verify thelicense status of a Respiratory Care Practitioner. The


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license records are updated daily, making the service anexcellent resource for consumers and employers. TheBoard's Web site allows individuals to research licensesby date, subject, or reference number. The Board alsoattended career fairs and education conferences toaddress the shortage of Respiratory Care Practitioners.

In addition, the Board assisted in the prosecution of alicensee charged with the murders of six patients.Disciplinary actions against others who allegedly aidedand abetted the killings are pending.

Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board

During Fiscal Year 2001/02, the Speech-LanguagePathology and Audiology Board approved a newparaprofessional educational program for speech-language pathology assistants. It also implemented anapplication approval process for speech-languagepathology assistant training programs. Eight new stateprograms were approved.

In addition, the Board supported legislation signed byGovernor Davis that now enables speech-languagepathologists to evaluate voice and swallowing disordersthrough endoscopy, a procedure that uses special viewingequipment.

The Board successfully pursued legislation streamliningthe application process for issuance of a temporarylicense, enabling applicants to obtain the professionalexperience required for permanent licensure.

Veterinary Medical Board

The Veterinary Medical Board implementedrequirements for registered veterinary techniciancandidates to undergo criminal background checks. The


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Board also enhanced the delivery of veterinary servicesto consumers by amending its regulations to allowveterinarians to use registered veterinary technicians inoff-premise settings, such as hospice care, wellnessvaccinations, medication administration for ongoingillnesses such at diabetes, etc. The Board increased itshealth and safety monitoring by increasing the number ofhospital inspections this year from 280 to 420. TheBoard implemented a new program requiringveterinarians to certify completion of 36 hours ofapproved continuing education every two years forlicense renewal.

Board of Vocational Nursing and PsychiatricTechnicians

During Fiscal Year 2001/02, the Board of VocationalNursing and Psychiatric Technicians began using LiveScan fingerprint technology, online license verification,and plastic licenses in protecting consumers. OnNovember 2001, the Board adopted a new test plan forpsychiatric technician licensure examination.

The Board advanced regulations that allow licensedvocational nurses (LVNs) who are Board-certified inintravenous therapy to administer medications inhemodialysis, pheresis, and blood bank unit. Thisexpansion of qualified LVN capabilities serves toincrease patient care in the state.

Committee on Dental Auxiliaries

The Committee on Dental Auxiliaries backed newlegislation signed by Governor Davis requiring registereddental assistant applicants and licensees to completemandatory courses, including radiation safety, fosteringconsumer protection. The Committee was alsosuccessful in getting the legislation to ease the experience


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requirement for Registered Dental Assistants from 18 to12 months. The issue is getting people into communitiesto provide dental health care.

Landscape Architects Technical Committee

The Landscape Architects Technical Committeeconducted focus groups to see how it can improve itsservices to consumers. The result is the MarketConditions assessment report, which highlights theknowledge, skills and competencies of today’sprofessional landscape architects. The report includesprofessional and marketplace issues regarding landscapearchitecture that will be used to develop future strategicgoals and objectives.

The Committee continued its outreach to collegecampuses to explain licensing requirements to landscapearchitectural students.

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