February 2012
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Public Hearing on House Bill 1571, Allowing Booth Rentals in Salons, Held Today

The Professional Licensure Committee held a public hearing today to consider House Bills 1571, 1867, and 1868. While House Bills 1867, and 1868 were discussed briefly, it was House Bill 1571 that monopolized the discussion. House Bill 1571 would allow Cosmetology Salons to begin renting booth spaces to stylists, a practice that has heretofore been prohibited in Pennsylvania. 

Steve Breuner, who has twenty years of experience in the retail salon business and has built and operated 48 SUPERCUTS salons in Pennsylvania noted that Pennsylvania is one of only two states in the Country in which booth rental is currently prohibited. Breuner urged the Committeeto pass HB 1571. Breuner was in the minority; however, as the remainder of the testimony given strongly opposed the passage of the bill claiming it would be a detriment to the Commonwealth, causing unecessary expenses in new regulations and inspections. Look for the full story in the Capitol Toolbox later today.


House Committee Reports Sunday Motorcycle Sales Bill

This morning the House Professional Licensure Committee unanimously reported as amended Senate Bill 419. The legislation allows motorcycles to be sold on Sundays by licensed motorcycle dealers. The unanimously adopted amendment added a new section to the Board of Vehicles Act relating to area of responsibility and further providing for reimbursement of all parts and services required by manufacturer or distributor and for reimbursement audits. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

Committee Holds Hearing on Disciplinary Record Expungement Bill

The House Professional Licensure Committee conducted a public hearing on HB 646. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Kate Harper (R-Montgomery), amends Act 48 of 1993 gives the 29 licensing boards and commissions under the Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs to expunge a disciplinary record of a licensee upon written application to the board or commission. The expungement would only apply to minor violations. The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants testified in support of the legislation. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

Professional Licensure Committee Reports Out Four Licensing Bills

The House Professional Licensure Committee unanimously reported out four licensing bills. Report as committed was HB 48 amending the Medical Practice Act to establish a state licensure requirement for prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists and orthotic fitters under the Medical Practice Act. Reported as amended were HB 332 and HB 333 amending the Medical Practice Act and the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act respectively to require a license to practice genetic counseling. The committee also reported as amended HB 398 requiring appraisal management companies to register with the State Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers and become subject to the Board’s regulation and oversight. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

House Professional Licensure Receives Briefing By Department of State

The House Professional Licensure Committee received a briefing by the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs on their duties. Chief Counsel for the Department of State, Steven Turner, gave an overview of the Department and Bureau and also discussed the Department’s plan of action in the wake of the grand jury report  detailing the crimes committed by Dr. Kermit Gosnell. Check out the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today to read the full story.

House Professional Licensure Learns About the IRRC Process

The House Professional Licensure Committee this morning met with representatives from the Independent Regulatory Review Commission to learn about the process by which regulations are reviewed and the role the committee and legislators play in that process.

Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later today.

House committee hears support, opposition to interior design licensure bill

This morning the House Professional Licensure committee held a public hearing on HB 1521, legislation sponsored by Rep. Tim Solobay (D-Washington) that would provide for the licensing of interior designers. Contentious testimony was offered both in support and opposition to the measure, by groups representing the interior design community, as well as builders, architects and others. Ultimately Chairman Mike McGeehan (D-Philadelphia) indicated the bill should move forward, though it is “not there yet.” Check the Committee News section of the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.

Professional Licensure Committee Conducts Hearing on Appraisal Management Company Legislation

The House Professional Licensure Committee conducted a public hearing this morning on House Bill 2334 which provides for the registration and regulation of appraisal management companies by the State Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers. Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Basil Merenda, Appraisers Board Chairman Daniel Bradley and representatives from the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors, the appraisal management community, and the Appraisal Institute all testified in support of the legislation. Committee Chairman Michael McGeehan (D-Philadelphia) said the committee is committed to considering the legislation in the near future. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

House Professional Licensure Committee approves 2 regs

The committee approved two regulations, Reg. 16A-5723, dealing with biennial renewal fees for the State Board of Veterinary Medicine and Reg. 16A-6315, dealing with qualifications for the State Board of Psychology. Another regulation, Reg. 16A-4929, dealing with behavior specialists within the State Board of Medicine, had no formal action taken. The committee will take no formal action until final regulations are promulgated and submitted comments. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for details.

House Professional Licensure – Off the Floor

The House Professional Licensure Committee held a public hearing on HB 1886. The contentious hearing featured representatives of the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist field, anesthesiologists, and medical profession advocates. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.