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Tom Gilliam with Valley Oaks Health in Crawfordsville told lawmakers about the arduous process many undergo to transfer in their out-of-state professional licenses.
Screenshot from Indiana General AssemblyLegislators are looking for ways for more out-of-state professional licenses to transfer easily to Indiana. It comes as a variety of industries say they’re having a hard time getting skilled workers to take jobs in the state.
Experts from career fields including mental health, social work and medicine testified at a legislative summer study session. They say Indiana’s licensure process for out-of-state workers is slow and has antiquated requirements like mailing documents. Instead, they say it should be digital and offer quick verification methods.
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Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) shared the concern of several legislators that a frustrating licensure process could be adding to a shortage of skilled workers.
“It’s time to erase the chalkboard and get in the 21st century here and do some things that can streamline [and] get these people licenses quicker,“ Alting said.
Lawmakers said they’ll consider future legislation that would enter into a compact or reciprocity agreement with other states to share information.
Contact reporter Justin at jhicks@wvpe.org or follow him on Twitter at @Hicks_JustinM.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this story identified Sen. Ron Alting as a Democrat. That was incorrect. He is a Republican.
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