Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation

In this episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR Conversation, host Line Dempsey continues CLEAR’s Telling Our Story series with board members Mark Steinagel, Jessica Kallipolites, and Shilo Tooze. Together, they reflect on their first encounters with CLEAR, the connections that drew them into committee and board service, and the lasting impact of conference learnings on their regulatory work. The discussion highlights themes of compassion in regulation, the importance of trust with the public, and the value of adapting to change. With stories of practical policy shifts, professional growth, and organizational improvement, the conversation illustrates how CLEAR fosters collaboration and equips regulators to meet emerging challenges while shaping the future of regulatory excellence. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode93_AEC_Impact_Story_090925_transcript.pdf

The August episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR Conversation focuses on the upcoming CLEAR Annual Educational Conference, taking place in Chicago, Illinois. Camile Lindsay, Director of the Division of Financial and Professional Regulation in Illinois, shares key findings from the state’s CLIMB Task Force report, which addresses unnecessary licensure barriers—especially for justice-involved individuals and professions like hair braiding. She outlines IDFPR’s proactive reforms, including system modernization, community engagement, and legislative initiatives. Then, keynote speaker and economist Jeff Korzenik offers a compelling preview of his upcoming talk on labor force participation, second-chance hiring, and what the U.S. can learn from countries like Japan in addressing workforce shortages. Together, these conversations highlight how licensing bodies can balance public protection with inclusive policies that foster opportunity and economic resilience. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode92_AEC_preview_081225_transcript.pdf

In this bonus episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation, host Line Dempsey continues the conversation with Ken Anderson, CIO of the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, and Christy Williams, General Manager of Tyler Technologies’ Arkansas unit. Building on the previous episode’s discussion of digital transformation, this follow-up explores strategies for interagency collaboration, innovations in data sharing, and test cases for applying artificial intelligence to licensing and inspection processes. The conversation also features practical advice for new regulatory leaders and a shared vision of a paperless, efficient future. With Arkansas setting an example in digital modernization, the conversation offers both inspiration and practical insights for jurisdictions seeking to evolve their regulatory systems. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_bonus_episode_Tyler_digital2_072225_transcript.pdf

In this episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation, host Line Dempsey kicks off a two-part series in partnership with CLEAR’s 2024-25 Premier Partner, Tyler Technologies. Joined by Ken Anderson, CIO of the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, and Christy Williams, General Manager for Tyler’s Arkansas unit, the conversation explores how Arkansas is harnessing technology to streamline regulatory processes, enhance public engagement, and modernize professional licensure frameworks. Topics include digital transformation across multiple licensing entities, balancing accessibility for different generations of users, measurable gains in efficiency and cost savings, and how flexible digital platforms support both consumer protection and economic mobility. This episode offers a close-up look at how smart regulatory technology can drive meaningful change for agencies, licensees, and the broader public. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode91_Tyler_digital_070825_transcript.pdf

In this episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation, host Line Dempsey continues CLEAR’s “Telling Our Story” series with a conversation about the power of connection, community, and global engagement. CLEAR board members Kym Ayscough, Jennifer Garrett, and Michael Carpenter reflect on their personal journeys with CLEAR—from first encounters to board service—and the value they’ve gained through international perspectives, peer networks, and shared learning around regulatory challenges and opportunities. They discuss how CLEAR fosters regulatory excellence, supports professional development at every career stage, and builds a welcoming space for collaboration and mentorship across borders and professions. Their stories highlight how CLEAR is more than an organization—it’s a global regulatory network. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode90_CLEAR_Global_Network_Story_061025_transcript.pdf

How can regulators ensure ethical practice when technologies—and their risks—are constantly evolving? Researchers Dr. Tracey Adams and Dr. Kate Leslie discuss the intersection of professional ethics and technological innovation with host Line Dempsey. From the ambiguities of artificial intelligence to the pressure of rapid implementation, the discussion highlights how regulators are addressing practitioner uncertainty; the limits of regulatory reach; and why proactive guidance encouraging reflective, risk-aware practice is more important than ever. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode89_ethical_tech_051325_transcript.pdf

In this episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation, Line Dempsey chats with experts in regulatory administration to highlight some of the key skills needed to effectively provide staff support to regulatory boards and councils. Sara Chambers, Lise Betteridge, and Priya Bhatia discuss the difference between the role of the regulator and the role of the professional association, the distinction between staff’s responsibility for operations and the board’s responsibility for policy, development of a strategic mindset, the importance of transparency in decision-making, the collaborative leadership model, effective communication and presentation skills, and the unique aspects and challenges of staffing a regulatory board. These themes and learnings are part of CLEAR’s “Skills for the Regulatory Administrator – Staffing a Board” program. Visit CLEAR’s website for more information about the course and to register for the June offering. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode88_Skills_Administrator_040825_transcript.pdf

During CLEAR’s recent midyear business meetings, we conducted an environmental scan and asked our committee members about the top trends or issues they’re seeing in professional regulation or in their jurisdictions. Committee members often comment that these environmental scans are the most valuable part of CLEAR’s committee meetings. In this episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation, we highlight some of the issues and trends mentioned during these environmental scans in order to share this benefit more widely, connecting more members with the committees’ activities and discussions. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode87_Environmental_Scan_031125_transcript.pdf

In this episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation, host Line Dempsey speaks with Brian Tobias, Director of the Colorado Office of Policy, Research and Regulatory Reform, and Katie O'Donnell, Director of Communications and Public Engagement for the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. They explore Colorado’s sunrise review process through the case study of funeral service professionals and discuss how the state navigated media scrutiny following tragic events in Penrose, Colorado. The conversation highlights best practices for evaluating the need for professional regulation, responding to media coverage, engaging stakeholders to maintain public trust, and educating licensees and the public about regulatory changes. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode86_Sunrise_Media_0211255_transcript.pdf

How do we balance freedom of expression, professional responsibilities, and the role of the regulator? Scott McLeod shares the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta's perspective. With media coverage and recently proposed legislation focused on freedom of expression of regulated professionals, the CPSA sought to clarify the college's intent and the need to strike the right balance of allowing physicians the freedom to express their opinions while upholding their responsibilities as a professional to protect the public. Scott talks about the challenge to the practitioner of differentiating professional and personal identities, the college's responsibility to determine when professionals' public statements may affect patient care and safety, the complications brought about by social media, and the importance of remaining open to diverse opinions and respectful open discourse. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode85_Freedom_Expression_Regulator_011425_transcript.pdf

The 2024 CLEAR Awards were presented in Baltimore during CLEAR's Annual Educational Conference. Our podcast host had the chance to sit down with the recipients and hear about the accomplishments and initiatives they were nominated for. In this part 2 episode, hear from Sharon Oliver, recipient of the Regulatory Excellence Individual Award, and John Pugsley, recipient of the CLEAR Service Award for Lifetime Achievement. Listen to their insights from experience as they pursue regulatory excellence. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode84_CLEAR_Awards2_121024_transcript.pdf

The 2024 CLEAR Awards were presented in Baltimore during CLEAR's Annual Educational Conference. Our podcast host had the chance to sit down with the recipients and hear about the accomplishments and cases they were nominated for. In this part 1 episode, hear from MDR Strategy Group, recipient of the Regulatory Excellence Team Award, and the Investigations Bureau with the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, recipient of the Investigative Excellence Team Award. Listen to their insights from experience, and tune in next month for part 2 with two more award recipients. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode83_CLEAR_Awards1_111224_transcript.pdf

This month's conversation continues the theme of telling CLEAR's story. CLEAR members Paul Byrne and Micah Matthews talk about their CLEAR journeys, how their CLEAR learnings and connections make them better regulators, reflections on regulatory excellence, the greatest challenges to regulators in achieving that excellence, and how we can take CLEAR's story forward to support the new generation of regulatory leaders. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode82_CLEAR_Regulatory_Excellence_Story_100824_transcript.pdf

This month's conversation focuses on CLEAR’s DEI journey. CLEAR’s President and Board of Directors would like to share CLEAR’s DEI story with you, both internally as an example of an organization looking at DEI and externally as a clearinghouse of resources related to DEI. CLEAR's president, president-elect, and chairs of the DEI working groups share the DEI elements that have come to be included in CLEAR's strategic plan; insights and challenges to CLEAR's DEI journey; and the outcomes so far from the DEI working groups on internal metrics and data, advisory panel, terminology and connections, and external resources for regulators. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode81_CLEAR_DEI_story_091024_transcript.pdf

Get a sneak peek of the plenary sessions at CLEAR's upcoming Annual Educational Conference. Beth Z., your "nerdy best friend," talks about the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence: how you can prepare for AI discussions, why people in the regulatory community are concerned about AI, and what regulators should get excited about with AI. Then, Jayde Fuller shares some of Ahpra's experience with the creation of Indigenous decision-making committees: why it's critically important to embed anti-racist practice in regulatory processes, how to move beyond performative anti-racism, and feedback Ahpra has received from the Indigenous communities and healthcare practitioners. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode80_AEC_plenary_preview_081324_transcript.pdf

CLEAR and Tyler Technologies partnered to conduct a survey to examine the use and perception of digital technologies within regulatory agencies. Listen as the survey report authors discuss the findings and perceptions about adoption of online services by regulatory agencies, centralized payment systems, digital profiles for licensees and members of the public, and the role of AI in enhancing interactions with stakeholders. What are the implications of the survey findings regarding stakeholders’ satisfaction rates with the quality of technology tools? What future steps are recommended to improve regulatory agencies’ technology usage and stakeholder engagement? Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode79_Online_Engagement_Survey_070924_transcript.pdf

Gordon Giddings, Jeremy Beach, and Fisayo Aruleba share research they conducted to ask, "Do Medical Licensing Questions on Health Conditions Pose a Barrier to Physicians Seeking Treatment?" Their research focused on approaches to asking about physician health, sought evidence about whether those questions can act as a barrier to individuals seeking treatment, and explored how those barriers could be mitigated by asking questions in a different way so as to reduce the stigma. Hear some highlights from the studies they reviewed, conclusions they drew, and recommendations for finding a balance between ensuring safe care while not being an impediment to professionals' care-seeking. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode78_Application_Barrier_Care-seeking_061124_transcript.pdf

CLEAR's story is a story of connections, learning, and engagement. Join us as host Line Dempsey engages in a compelling dialogue with CLEAR's President, Marc Spector, and President-elect, Staci Mason, exploring their personal journeys within the CLEAR community. Reflecting on their experiences, they highlight the invaluable connections, learning opportunities, and engagement fostered through committee and board service. From the excitement of global networking to insights into effective governance and decision-making processes, Marc and Staci share how their involvement with CLEAR improves their knowledge and understanding of regulatory issues and helps make them better regulatory leaders at their own organizations. Line, Marc, and Staci share their biggest takeaways from their involvement with CLEAR and encourage other CLEAR members to deepen their engagement. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode77_Board_Story_051424_transcript.pdf

A few years ago, we had a great conversation with Deanna Williams where we discussed the big question of, What does it mean to be a good regulator? There’s not a better or more fundamental question to ask for our CLEAR audience. As the regulatory landscape evolves and we face different challenges in our roles, it’s great to go back to some of the fundamentals and keep those concepts top of mind. Good regulators should ask the question, Can we demonstrate that there's value in what we do? Deanna urges regulators to move beyond being just good enough to asking, How can we be better? Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode76_Revisit_Good_Regulator_040924_transcript.pdf

From new trends like artificial intelligence and banishing diversity, equity and inclusion requirements, to some familiar ones like workforce mobility and licensure compacts, panelists will discuss current legislative initiatives and policy trends happening nationwide that are impacting occupational licensure in 2024. Join us for the legislative rundown with John Bremer from Federation of State Medical Boards, Nicole Livanos from National Council of State Boards of Nursing, and Kelly Parker from Propelus, developers of the continuing education compliance platform, CE Broker. CLEAR thanks CE Broker for being our Premier Education Partner this year. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode75_2024_Legislative_Rundown_031224_transcript.pdf